Depression is getting more and more common these days. Considering that it's a modern illness which may strike us at any point of life. I'm a doctor and I do encounter patients with depression. The stem of it? Be it family issues, job, relationship, debilitating diseases, the list is never ending. Why are we seeing many cases of depression these days? All thanks to the awareness which more and more people are having. The act of seeking help before things just got worse it's just an initial stepping stone if one has a true full blown depression. Many people perceive that Depression and Sadness are of the same. Yes, I do agree that people with depression has got sadness in them. Neglect this and a depressed person will end up in suicide.
Treatment isn't just mainstream these days. Not forgetting the side effects of antidepressant, one just won't end up being compliant to the treatment, or maybe just won't take their meds. Some may just sail through without medications. Group therapy, good social support and conducive environment can guide a depressed person through a medicine free period before they are able to function. I can't deny that some antidepressants cause suicidal thoughts, one example would be Luvox. If possible, social support has to be good as to avoid untoward circumstances.
OK, now the patient is ready to be released to the community. Next thing will be the stigma. Getting back to work after a period of medical leave for depression is another concern. How many of us actually accepts our colleagues for who they are, without stigmatization? Recently, a colleague of mine just came back from her leave due to depression. Sad to say that she was being stigmatized by her own colleagues, whom they call themselves the "healthcare professionals". It's an "indirect killing" which they actually exert on someone. She was being judged for having depression, scolded by her superiors for being slow. How much help can we offer? Are we actually doing more damage than repair?
Sadly, one day I found out that she eventually committed suicide as she was constantly blaming herself for being useless. All she needed from the start is a good listener, a shoulder to cry on. How many of us actually offered that to her? When you encounter depressed individuals, please, listen and don't ever judge!
Treatment isn't just mainstream these days. Not forgetting the side effects of antidepressant, one just won't end up being compliant to the treatment, or maybe just won't take their meds. Some may just sail through without medications. Group therapy, good social support and conducive environment can guide a depressed person through a medicine free period before they are able to function. I can't deny that some antidepressants cause suicidal thoughts, one example would be Luvox. If possible, social support has to be good as to avoid untoward circumstances.
OK, now the patient is ready to be released to the community. Next thing will be the stigma. Getting back to work after a period of medical leave for depression is another concern. How many of us actually accepts our colleagues for who they are, without stigmatization? Recently, a colleague of mine just came back from her leave due to depression. Sad to say that she was being stigmatized by her own colleagues, whom they call themselves the "healthcare professionals". It's an "indirect killing" which they actually exert on someone. She was being judged for having depression, scolded by her superiors for being slow. How much help can we offer? Are we actually doing more damage than repair?
Sadly, one day I found out that she eventually committed suicide as she was constantly blaming herself for being useless. All she needed from the start is a good listener, a shoulder to cry on. How many of us actually offered that to her? When you encounter depressed individuals, please, listen and don't ever judge!
