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Knowing
them could save the life of a loved-one.
Maulik K. Trivedi, MD
As ironic as it may sound, when someone is affected by depression,
they are the least likely to ask for help when they need it the
most.
Unfortunately, it is also true that the gripping claws of
depression creep up ever so silently, that it is usually very
difficult to recognize the early warning signs of depression. This
prevents the depressed person from getting timely help.
For most people, worsening depression takes a silent and isolating
course. Unlike physical illness, the signs of emotional illness
can be deceptive. Most physical illnesses present with physical
symptoms such as fever, physical pain, or bleeding. Emotional pain
shows no obvious physical signs. The pain and anguish of
depression are silent, all to often, until it’s too late.
The true harm in delayed treatment is that the depression
progresses toward an imminent tragic outcome, namely suicide. The
patient can only handle so much hurt – until they conclude that
the only way to escape and get relief is to take their own life.
Depression is among the silent killers.
It doesn’t have to be so!
Learn the following five telltale signs of depression. They could
help you save the life of someone you care about.
1. Depression Deprives people from life:
You can say it takes the ‘living’ out of one’s life. A depressed
individual feels sad or down most of the time for days on end.
They are disconnected from the everyday life interactions that
most of us take for granted. They appear withdrawn and aloof. They
just don’t derive any pleasure from things that they themselves
used to enjoy and others seem to continue enjoying. They get
little to no pleasure from hearing their favorite music or seeing
their favorite TV shows. Even the food doesn’t seem to taste so
good anymore.
As a result, they appear disinterested in most things. They are
not participants in the joys of life. They merely exist as a lump
on a log without the ability to jump into things with an
enthusiasm and zest for life.
2. Depression Deregulates sleep, appetite and energy level:
Depression is an inheritable medical illness just like diabetes or
high blood pressure. In the same way that a diabetic has
difficulty controlling sugar levels in their body because of a
lack of insulin, the depressed patient has a chemical imbalance as
well. An imbalance of brain chemicals results in an imbalance in a
person’s way of thinking, feeling and doing things. Some of the
specific physiologic functions regulated by the brain that may
become imbalanced in a depressed individual include sleep,
appetite, and energy level.
The depressed person frequently appears physically slowed or
lethargic and seems to lack initiative. Frustrated by low energy
levels and constant tiredness, some people may sleep excessively;
whereas others, who are constantly worried and nervous, may find
it hard to get to sleep. Similarly, some people lose their
appetite for food while others simply continue to fill the ‘empty’
feeling that often accompanies depression with excessive food.
3. Depression Deflates self-esteem:
Self-esteem and self-confidence go hand in hand. Depressed people
are often full of self-doubt and hesitation. As a result, they
appear to be indecisive and pessimistic. Despite much reassurance
and thorough contemplation, they are left feeling ambivalent about
their decisions. They just can’t seem to be able to decide, and
when they do decide, they constantly feel like thy have made a
poor choice.
As their symptoms progress, guilt plays an important role. The
depressed person will often blame themselves unnecessarily for
many un-related things.
4. Depression Dampens motivation and hope:
This aspect of depression is the most imminently dangerous.
Untreated depression often intensifies greatly and there seems to
be no easy way out. Depressed people often feel hopeless about
their situation and helpless in their ability to make things
better. It’s this feeling of hopelessness and uselessness of life
that hurls patients towards contemplating suicide.
5. Depression Disguises the real person:
The metamorphosis that Depression brings to a person often happens
slowly. As depression sets in over weeks to months, the depressed
person literally transforms into a different individual. Because
Depression affects one’s thinking, feeling, and behavior, it
changes the affected person’s entire personality and attitude
towards life. In some people, especially children and adolescents,
depression manifests itself through irritability of mood rather
than obvious sadness.
Now you know the faces of depression; use your knowledge to help
others. If you recognize these changes in people that you know,
please act urgently. Talk to them and try to understand their
emotional pain. Help them understand their symptoms and refer them
to see a mental health professional. Treatments are available and
they are very effective. The key is to get the depressed person to
the treatment promptly.
2005 Maulik K. Trivedi, MD; Dr
Trivedi is the founder/Director of MINDvantageTM, a private
Personal Advancement Center with emphasis on personalized
care, attention to quality of services and result oriented
care. Get more information at www.MINDvanatge.com.
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