Sushant Singh Rajput's untimely demise came as such a shock. Those of us who followed him on instagram knew about the 'non filmstar' side of him. The philosophical, sensitive, abstract side. The art aficionado, the astronomer and the physics enthusiast. He seemed to have inspired many of his fans and followers to lead better, more productive lives.
Let us mourn his passing, not sensationalise it.
And understand depression. Then use that understanding to be more empathetic, towards ourselves and those around us.
One way of looking at depression, is comparing it to a cataract. In the early stages you might be able to ignore it, work around it and manage to cope. You may be successful in your efforts to nip it in the bud or stave off further progression. Self help could work, whether it's exercise, enjoyable activities, actively maintaining meaningful interpersonal connections or striving for small achievements. But if it gets uncomfortably protracted or progresses, as it sometimes irrevocably does, for reasons that are not exactly possible to qualify or quantify then we need to get help. When the world seems to get progressively darker, to blindly place your trust in your family member and mental health professional. If one psychiatrist/psychologist's inputs didn't help, to do what you would if medically ill, ie: get a second opinion or ask your doctor about other treatment options. As that is what will enable you to see the light again.
That's what depression is. It robs an individual of the ability to fully experience joy. You see a beautiful landscape and it doesn't amaze you. You try to enjoy the company of close friends but it seems bland. But it's NOT irreversible. The curtain can be lifted, the joie de vivre can be rediscovered.
Anti-depressants are not addictive and they do not necessarily need to be taken lifelong. They increase serotonin in the brain which is often depleted in depressed individuals; and increase the firing and connections of neurons in brain areas like the hippocampus which regulate stress. Side effects, if any are by and large mild, manageable and reversible.
How is psychotherapy different from talking to a friend? Most importantly, a therapeutic relationship is completely client centric, unlike a friendship which is two way and hence more complicated. Secondly there is objectivity which is often lost if a friend or family member is trying to be your counselor. And lastly, there is a whole lot of science involved. The entire process of 'talk therapy' changes brain function that can be picked up on scans.
Until you experience the benefits of treatment you may be dismissive of it. But it could save a life. Yours, or someone close to you. So please drop by a mental health clinic/OPD, or pick up the phone and dial a helpline. Help will soon be on its way.
- Dr Sreyoshi Ghosh, Child & Adolescent Psychiatrist, NIMHANS has written this thoughtful piece
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