Depression
It is quite common to feel sad and everyone goes through phases of daily ups and downs. But when these bouts of temporary sadness persist for a long time, the person is said to be suffering from depression. Temporary sadness or Reactive Depression is a kind of reaction to immediate surroundings. Like other illnesses, depression is also a type of illness. For example, in case of fever - one goes to a doctor; for a toothache - a dentist; for an eye problem - get eyes checked. But when it comes to depression, most people, either do very little, or do nothing about it. Depressed people do not seek professional help because they believe their problems cannot be solved. Even the people around them do not encourage the depressed person to seek professional help. They believe - time is the best healer. Often people arrive at a wrong conclusion - "A vacation will solve the problem". It should be recognised that depression is a kind of illness and a vacation cannot substitute the job of a professional therapist. Depression affects one in five people at some point in their lives. Anyone can get low at times, but with depression, the feelings don t go away quickly or become so bad they interfere with everyday life. The feeling of depression is deeper, longer and more unpleasant than the short periods of unhappiness that we all have from time to time. There are two types of treatment available: talking treatments and medication. Both can be accessed through your doctor. Talking treatments * Counselling helps you to talk about your feelings in private with a sympathetic professional. Your GP may have a counsellor at the surgery. * Cognitive Behavioural Therapy can help to overcome the powerful negative thoughts that are part of depression. * Interpersonal and dynamic therapies can help if you have difficulties getting on with other people. A relationship counsellor might be helpful if you're having difficulties with your partner. * If you have a disability or are caring for a relative, a self-help group may give you support. Medication Antidepressants can be effective if depression is severe or goes on for a long time. They may help feelings of anxiety and help you to deal with problems effectively again. The effects of antidepressants won t usually be felt straight away - people often don't notice any improvement in their mood for two or three weeks. As well as tablets, an alternative remedy called St John's Wort is available from chemists. There is evidence that it s effective in mild to moderate depression. It seems to work in much the same way as some antidepressants, but some people find that it has fewer side effects. You should discuss taking it with your doctor, particularly if you re taking other medication. Like all medicines, antidepressants have some side effects, though these are usually mild and tend to wear off as the treatment goes on. The newer antidepressants (called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) may cause nausea and anxiety for a short while. The older antidepressants can cause dry mouth and constipation. Unless the side effects are very bad, your doctor will usually advise you to continue with the tablets.
