Understanding and addressing depression can lead to a happier and healthier life
DEPRESSION, often described as a silent battle, is a complex mental health condition that prevents the affected person from functioning normally.
ParkCity Medical Centre (PMC) consultant psychiatrist Dr Lim Chong Hum emphasises that depression, also known as clinical depression, is different from temporary mood changes.
While mood fluctuations are a part of life, depression is characterised by more sustained and severe symptoms lasting at least two weeks.
Symptoms of depression can present through various behavioural indications. For example, changes in appetite, such as not enjoying one’s favourite dish anymore, or disruption of sleeping patterns are common signs.
Depression can also affect individuals on a psychological level with negative thoughts and feelings of worthlessness.
Additionally, symptoms of depression may even manifest as physical aches and pains.
Depression or being in a mental state of low mood can result in a loss of interest in normal activities and hobbies, being unable to enjoy things the way a person used to.
Some contributory factors to depression, Dr Lim shares, include external factors such as experiencing a loss in the family, financial stress and relationship issues.
However, one common misconception about depression is that it reflects weakness.
Dr Lim asserts that depression can affect anyone, regardless of their background or achievements.
“It is not a sign of mental weakness but rather a treatable medical condition.”
Tailored treatment for depression
Treating depression requires a tailored approach for each patient based on various factors. This includes the physical condition of the person and any concomitant medical illnesses, the pattern and severity of his symptoms, as well as his psychosocial environment.
In milder cases, psychotherapy, also known as talking therapy, can be effective.
Psychological intervention exists in different forms, for example, counselling, supportive therapy, and cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) that are used to help individuals explore their thoughts and emotions and develop healthier coping mechanisms.
CBT, a more intense and focused psychotherapy, is widely recognised for its effectiveness in treating depression and addresses the patient’s thought process.
The underlying premise is that the patient’s mood might be affected by the way they think; therefore, the therapist guides the patient to recognise, challenge, reframe and change the negative and unhelpful thinking patterns, replacing them with more helpful ways of thinking.
In moderate to severe cases, medication is usually recommended in addition to psychotherapy.
Dr Lim clarifies common misconceptions about medication, such as concerns about addiction or feeling like a ‘zombie’.
“Antidepressants themselves are not addictive, and withdrawal symptoms emerge typically when there is an abrupt discontinuation of medication after prolonged use.”
He added that when it is time to stop medication, the doctor will guide the patient in decreasing the dose in a gradual and safe manner, thereby reducing the likelihood of withdrawal symptoms from occurring.
Changing views on depression in Malaysia
Malaysia has witnessed a shift in attitude towards depression and mental health in recent years, according to Dr Lim.
“Increased awareness, especially during the pandemic, has led more people to recognise the signs of mental ill-health and the importance of mental health care.”
Dr Lim acknowledges this positive shift but emphasises the ongoing need to reduce stigma and encourage open conversations about mental health as there is still reluctance to seek professional help from the get-go.
Recognising the signs of depression and encouraging the affected person to seek help are crucial.
A holistic approach
Seeing as a highly stressful environment could potentially lead a person to depression, Dr Lim highlights ways to reduce the risk of depression and boost mental health including having a balanced lifestyle.
“Exercise, a good diet and adequate sleep, together with time set aside to decompress and destress is vital for a balanced lifestyle,” he says, adding that studies have shown that exercise can leave a positive effect on people with clinical depression.
At the same time, it is advisable that individuals with an excessively heavy workload should find ways to make it more manageable, as chronic severe stress is detrimental to mental health.
Mental health care at Mindcentric by ParkCity Medical Centre
Responding to the growing importance of mental health awareness, PMC has rebranded its psychology and psychiatric services to come under its mental health services arm Mindcentric.
The goal is to combat the stigma of mental illness and foster open conversations, emphasising the fundamental role of mental health in overall well-being.
Mindcentric takes a patient-centred approach, using a combination of psychotherapy and drug treatments.
Its specialised team includes qualified psychiatrists and clinical psychologists, equipped to address various concerns, from everyday stressors to more serious mental health conditions.
