Combating Depression

Off late we see a steep rise in individuals complaining of being

depressed. Depression is new modern mental illness which is

catching up very rapidly among people mostly youngsters and

middle age group Individuals.

If we go back more than 30 years back, rarely would we have

heard of this word, might be we do not have that much

awareness as what we have today.

There are various reasons for depression, Reason might be

medical illness, some imbalance of chemicals in the brain; it

might be hereditary, running down in the family. The exact

cause of depression is still not known so far.

One need to know the symptoms to know that this diseases or

illness making a way into your life.

Often people with depression can be seen having low moods,

change in appetite, Sleep disturbance, agitation, fatigue, and also

difficult concentrating. People with depression exhibits

diminished interest in or all daily activities and may get suicidal

thoughts.

One must be able to recognize the above signs so that necessary

help can be given.

It’s also important to know if it comes down from family

genetically or there is something going into their daily life which

might be the reason for depression.

If it comes deep down from family then it needs qualified

psychiatrist to address the issue but if it does come from some

other reason than it needs attention and proper handling of the

situation to help individual come out of it.

It’s very important to educate the family members to understand

and handle the person with maturity.

Big mistake often seen is “immediate reaction from the family

member or the person dealing with” and being judgmental.

So the most important way of handling the person with

depression is “To Listen” and not “To React”.

Often it’s very challenging for the other person as to why a

person with depression behaving in such way and how to help

them overcome. You want to support a person but you do not

know how? One wrong word can aggravate the situation and can

at times become out of control. Do not try to find perfect words

to handle the situation. The best way is to sit in silence and

listen.

Ensure you do not use “Harsh Word” while conversing person,

“Be polite” and try to have “eye contact”.

Hold the person’s hand and if possible hug - so as to make

person feel comfortable and that there is someone with him or

her in this situation. “Do not leave the person alone”.

Try to decipher mental state of the person so as to understand

criticality of the situation and that if immediate medical help is

needed or not. During depression negative thoughts predominant

and trying to make things normal do not make it worse

by giving advice on her present condition. Remind him or her of

her positive qualities and try to make understand that how

important a person is in your life and family.

Remember it’s not impossible for a person to come out of

depression if positive environment is created around. Love,

care and affection plays a major role and everyone attending

person having depression must remember that they do not loose

temper on the person if they feel offended by person. As the

outburst is often momentary. So have patience in dealing with

such person.

It’s very important for the person undergoing depression also

needs to understand that self help is very important to fight it

out. Quick self help can aid individual to combat depression.

Individual suffering from depression should make a contact list

of persons who understands them and who can be connected and

be available any time when needed , during such moment of

depression reaching out to such people can often seen helpful in

coming out of situation.

Take a Walk with earphone and listen to music, regular exercise

and meditation - Though tough but not impossible, these are few

of the self help technique which can be tried.

Though there are many ways one can self help and help

individuals going through depression, it’s very important for us

to know that depression needs to be handled with delicate hands

and love and affection can help a person to fight out this monster

– Depression.

About the Author :- Dr Mamta Jain is PhD, Gold Medalist in

Psychology and currently owning clinic – The Psychology

Clinic and practicing as consulting psychologist.

Over the years she helped more than 1500 + patients to combat

various psychological issues. She is also NLP practitioner, Life

Coach and Trainer. She has worked with many organizations

and schools and helping them handle various special mental

health issues among employees and students. She takes

workshops and Training on regular basis and her aim and

mission is to help individuals come out of various mental health

issues.

She can be reached via her website: - www.drmamtajain.in