Frequently asked questions (FAQs) about depression ??
1. Does feeling sad mean I have depression?
Not ‘every’ sadness can be called as depression. Depression has now become a fad diagnosis, especially among the young people where they jump to claim themselves suffering from depression.
2. Are stress and depression the same?
No! Depression is more serious and long lasting than stress and warrants a different kind of help.
3. So how to diagnose depression?
- a) Low mood extending throughout the day for at least 2 weeks (A shorter period if the presentation is unusually severe)
- b) Reduced energy leading to increased fatiguability and diminished activity
- c) Loss of interest/ Lack of pleasure in previously pleasurable activities.
– What are the other common symptoms?
A) Decreased concentration
B) Disturbed sleep
C) Diminished / increased appetite
D) Feeling ‘worthless’
E) Suicidal ideas/ acts etc
4. Is 'counselling' alone enough to treat depression?
No, not in every situation. Moderate to severe depression respond better with antidepressant medications.
5. In that case, how does antidepressants work?
- The brain is made up of millions of cells which transmit messages from one to another using tiny amounts of chemical substances called neurotransmitters.
- It is thought that in depression, two of these neurotransmitters are particularly affected – Serotonin (5HT) and Noradrenaline (NA)
- Antidepressants work by increasing the deficient neurotransmitters in specific regions of brain.
6. Depression / What are the other treatment modalities available for depression?
Various psychotherapeutic interventions like Cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), Problem solving therapy, Mindfulness based cognitive therapy (MBT) and counselling can be tried upon different individuals.
– So which is right for me- Counselling or taking antidepressants?
If your depression is mild then probably you wouldn’t need an antidepressant. But if your depression has gone on for a long time, or is affecting you badly, then it may be worth trying an antidepressant
7. What are the side effects of taking antidepressants? Will i become dependent on it?
Antidepressants, like other common drugs have its own side effects which are minimal and temporary. Most often than not, you won’t get ‘addicted’ to antidepressants.
8. I have managed to work, do my day to day activities in spite of being depressed. Should I consult a Psychiatrist/ Psychologist now?
Its admirable that you have coped with this condition. But a question of how ‘productive’ you are need to be considered. Various research studies have reinstated the presence of impairment of brain functions when you are depressed and hence the need arises to address it.
E.g – An analogous example can be engine oil’s effect on your bike mileage ! With low engine oil in your bike, it continues to run but the mileage decreases.. Similarly, being depressed you continue to work but the efficiency is always the question.
9. Does having depression mean I am a ‘weak’ person?
NO! Absolutely not. Depression can happen to any great indomitable person.
Many famous successful personalities like Abraham Lincoln, Winston Churchill, Isaac Newton etc were in a constant bout with depression. Many of them have come forward and bravely expressed their battles with this disease. So will you you call these persons ‘weak’??
10. How do I help people with depression?
- – Spend time, listen to them.
- – Help them to stay away from alcohol
- – Try to empathise with their situation.
- (If someone is diabetic, you don’t term them ‘physically weak’. Then why do you call depressed individuals ‘mentally weak’?? Both occur due to chemical imbalances in our body.)
- – If they are getting worse and start to talk of not wanting to live or even hinting at harming themselves, take them seriously.
- – Encourage them to accept help, because the struggle is real !. Don’t discourage them from taking medication, or seeing a psychiatrist /psychotherapist. If you have worries about the treatment, then you may discuss that with the doctor.