Depression takes a hefty physical, emotional and mental toll on its patients. — 123rf.com
"I AM so depressed; the store does not have my dress size."
"So depressing, I missed the first part of the show.”
We often hear statements where the term "depression" is used loosely, almost callously. Many assume it is synonymous with feeling sad.
But sadness is an emotion everyone experiences after a stressful life event, which is followed by the ability to get on with their lives. Depression, on the other hand, is a common mood disorder. People suffering from depression often experience persistent sadness and loss of interest which impair their daily functional ability.
In a depressed person, certain chemicals in the brain called neurotransmitters become imbalanced. These neurotransmitters are responsible for stabilising our mood, helping us focus and get proper sleep, among others.
Globally, 3.8% of the population suffer from depression, according to a 2023 estimation by the World Health Organisation (WHO).
Invisible pain
Y, a middle-aged businessman, had lost everything in a bad business deal. Gradually, his wealthy friends vanished from his life.
His mood was low most of the time, he isolated himself, lost his appetite as well as weight, and hardly slept. He lost confidence and was not motivated to get back on his feet.
It was only when he started expressing death wishes that his family brought him to seek treatment. With medication, psychotherapy (talk therapy) and good family support, he bounced back, started a new business and succeeded.
A person suffering from depression has low mood most of the days, for at least two weeks. This may be accompanied by feeling tired all the time, loss of interest in the activities they used to enjoy, loss of appetite and weight (some may overeat and gain weight).
In addition, one may suffer poor quality or excessive sleep, isolate themselves from their loved ones, lose interest in sexual activities, suffer from low self-confidence and feel unworthy.
Other common symptoms are loss of hope, loss of focus and concentration, memory impairment as well as having body aches and pains.
Worst-case scenario
The fatal consequence of depression is suicide. If a depressed person expresses suicidal ideation or intent, do not ignore this plea for help.
Do not wait till your loved one expresses death wishes to seek medical treatment. It might be too late. Depression is a treatable condition and suicide can be prevented if early action is taken. Being depressed is not a sign of weakness. There is nothing to be ashamed about being depressed.
Depression can occur as a result of any overwhelming life events, for example, after delivery of a baby or post retirement. Many who are diagnosed with chronic medical illness suffer from depression as well.
The risk of developing depression is higher if one has a family history of depression, poor coping skills, or poor family or social support. Depression is also common among the elderly, especially those who live alone.
As depression can make one forgetful, families often think they are suffering from dementia. Young children can suffer from depression too.
Dr Gayathri says adherence to treatment protocol is imperative for recovery. — IHH Healthcare
Tailored plan
A psychiatrist or psychologist will assess the symptoms and tailor a management plan depending on the severity of the symptoms; mild, moderate or severe.
This management plan is holistic and will incorporate emotional, physical, cognitive, social as well as spiritual aspect of the patient’s life. One can lead a normal life if one adheres to the treatment protocol.
Sometimes talk therapy and having the person do the homework and exercises planned with the psychiatrist or psychologist is enough to manage depression. A psychiatrist may also suggest adding antidepressants, depending on the severity of the depression.
Contrary to popular belief, antidepressants are not addictive. One may not necessarily need long-term antidepressant treatment, except in more complex situations.
A glitch in the management of depression is that many become non-adherent the moment they start feeling better.
There is a duration that one must adhere to in order to complete the course of treatment as the neurotransmitter levels may not have stabilised, even though one has started to feel better.
Some patients look up their symptoms online and come up with self-diagnosis. This is not advisable.
If you are looking for information on depression, or any health condition for that matter, check out only credible websites or you may end up being misinformed.
To help look out for your loved ones suffering from depression, do not downplay their symptoms nor tell them to snap out of it.
Support them. Make sure they get help as soon as possible. The earlier the treatment, the better the outcome.
Stigma towards mental illness is terribly outdated yet many are still clinging to this notion. There is no need to suffer in silence. Seek professional help. Do not risk your health and happiness at the expense of other people’s perception of you.
Dr Gayathri K. Kumarasuriar is a consultant psychiatrist at a private hospital in Melaka.
Those suffering from mental health issues or contemplating suicide can reach out to the Mental Health Psychosocial Support Service (03-2935 9935 or 014-322 3392); Talian Kasih (15999 or 019-261 5999 on WhatsApp); Jakim’s Family, Social and Community care centre (011-1959 8214 on WhatsApp); and Befrienders Kuala Lumpur (03-7627 2929, go to www.befrienders.org.my/centre-in- malaysia for a full list of numbers and operating hours, or email sam@befrienders.org.my).
