Is it Real

More than what we want to acknowledge or think about. Diseases which are physical get more attention. The instances of covid, which was an epidemic of some proportion was reduced as people were affected physically and so everyone researched, came out with medicines, vaccines etc. to tackle it.

Unfortunately, mental diseases do not get the same attention. We had few instances of people affected with depression earlier but have started getting much more now. This was exacerbated more after the covid epidemic we talked about. For some reason which were necessary at that time, this got worse. Adults were bundled into their home with no outside interaction. Kids who thrive with their friends were suddenly asked to be at home. Adults were affected but as they have more tools at their disposal due to experience were able to handle it better. Biggest group of people affected were the children.

“Earlier 2 out of 10 were affected. Now he said he was seeing 8 out of 10 people affected after Covid.”

I had gone for my annual visit to my doctor, he was telling me that these days the number of people coming in with depression were much more. Earlier 2 out of 10 were affected. Now he said he was seeing 8 out of 10 people affected after Covid. So directly or indirectly Covid has been the main contributor. All that loneliness of those 2 years has contributed immensely to this problem.

What is it.

Depression is mainly a mental health disorder. It has a huge negative effect on the person. You have negative feelings for everything, doom and gloom are the two main things which are the only things that matter. This leads to a huge mental and physical issues. Sometimes affecting out daily life, our ability to work is affected.

Though depression is a serious mental issue it is generally ignored. We do not acknowledge it and that affects the solution for getting them treated. Depression though it is a big issue it is totally treatable. Some people get better sooner some take a little more time. Providing the right tools is very important.

“Mind is never getting the needed rest. Over work leads to more anxiety. Concentration is affected.”

Generally, you get a feeling of doom, people lose interest in things that they used to enjoy earlier or in general. It could affect your weight as appetite is affected. Either you end up eating more or don’t eat that much. People are sadder and have more anxiety. Sleep is most likely affected. You mind is constantly at work. So, mind is never getting the needed rest. Over work leads to more anxiety. Concentration is affected. You are not able to focus. Feeling of fatigue and tiredness increases resulting in restlessness. Extreme cases may have negative thoughts which can harm yourself.

No one knows the real reason for why people are depressed. Some of the reasons could be biological and psychological or even social as was the case with the Covid loneliness.

Serotonin and norepinephrine the two necessary chemicals in the brain are the main culprits which contribute for the biological factors. Sudden grief, loss of a loved one or a job can contribute to the phycological factors. A major illness like cancer or other problems can also contribute towards it.

What can be done?

First step is acknowledgement. Being able to understand that you may be depressed will help in the final solution. Professional help through physiatrists, physiologists or therapists will help. They will determine what is needed through a combination of medication or therapy or even both in some cases. These days there are some alternate solutions like TMC. Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) uses magnetic fields to simulate the nerves. There is no surgery involved so usually very easy to do. Though cost is a major hinderance. Each session may be 400–800 dollars and usually 36 sessions are needed. So clearly not something that every person will be able to afford.

“This affected person may get some help through therapy or medication but the other 3 family members whose emotions are affected do not get it and so suffer silently.”

Ketamine is another alternate method. Ketamine which is a very common medication is administered intravenously. The effects last for days. This is again done for 10–12 sessions. Each session is also around 400 dollars as it is not covered by insurance for treatment of depression. Ketamine is very cheap when it is done for non-depression related issues. Unfortunately, it is not covered by insurance and so people must pay it fully from their pocket. There is credible evidence that it improves the mood and people feel good after each treatment. As it is not very common there is no effort for further research and so no action as such. There is no lobby for depression so no new funding is done by companies and the government in this regard. Even though it is so much widespread now. It is not just the person who is affected. If there is a family of 4 it is not just one person who is affected all 4 are affected in some way. So, when we count depression, we need to multiply that by a factor of atleast 3–4 to get to a real number. This affected person may get some help through therapy or medication but the other 3 family members whose emotions are affected do not get it and so suffer silently.

There are other things that can be done. Regular exercise can help, get enough sleep, take help of medications if you need to but sleep is important. Eating healthy and maintaining a healthy lifestyle is important. Smoking and alcohol or other psychedelics should be avoided. Think about the things that you used to enjoy and do them. Take help of family be around them and your loved ones, friends are a great support group.

“Status quo is not an option. Look for signs. Has there been that friend who has stopped calling you, who hasn’t been close to you lately. You’re thinking that he or she is avoiding you may not be the reason.”

There are many resources to help. Make full use of them. You are not alone there in this fight. Society as such must act and support it further. We all need to make more efforts to identify and help that one close person who has become a little more aloof. Status quo is not an option. Look for signs. Has there been that friend who has stopped calling you, who hasn’t been close to you lately. You’re thinking that he or she is avoiding you may not be the reason. They may need your help. Make that effort. Call them, dig deeper into their issues. Help them identify the issue and get them the resources and help they need. We are all in this together.