WATCH OUT FOR THE SIGNS
With the rise in the number of suicides, experts suggest training our eyes to see any indication for extreme depression — one of the major causing factors
On July 20, it was declared that Chester Bennington, frontman of the popular band Linkin Park, committed suicide. On July 31, 14-yearold Mumbaiite Manpreet Singh committed suicide as part of an online game. In both cases — like most suicides — no one saw it coming. However, experts are of the opinion that raising awareness about depression, which leads to suicidal tendencies, can go a long way in preventing such cases.
“Bennington waswas 4141 and the teenagerr was only 14. These examples prove that the tendency y to commit suicide de can occur in any y group, even among senior citizens. Mostly, this is due to drawn out extreme me depression whichh if handled at the rightght timetime could have saved a life,” says Neeta V Shetty, life coach and psychotherapist, Blissful Mind Therapy Centre, Wadala (E ).
WHO IS PRONE?
“The exact cause of depressive disorders is not known. A combination of factors is usually involved. Stressful life events can trigger depression, they do not cause it. Chronic illnesses and alcohol or recreational drug abuse can also make an individual prone to developing depression. Conversely, an individual withw ddepression becomesbe more susceptiblesus develdeveloping chronic illnessesi and is more likely to abuse sleeping pills, alcohol and drugs,” says Dr Shamsah Sonawalla, consultant psychiatrist, Jaslok Hospital & Research Center, Pedder Road.
Those with a family history of depression and those who have developed past depression are more susceptible. Coming from families of different backgrounds such as broken homes, alcoholic father, having parents who are working and have no time for the children are another group. People who recover from a major sickness and passing through a difficult stage of life, like a child is appearing for a board exam or other national entrance exams are more vulnerable. Those who come from a socially disturbed family like underprivileged children, alcoholism, mental sickness, drug addiction in the family are vulnerable too. Women passing through menopause and postnatal period are also vulnerable to depression.
Dr Sonawalla lists the following symptoms of depression:
Feeling of sadness or emptiness
Irritability, outburst of anger
Feeling of helplessness and hopelessness
Loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities
Sleep disturbances, including insomnia or excessive sleep Fatigue, low energy Decrease in appetite and weight loss or increase in appetite and weight gain
Feeling of guilt, worthlessness or self blame
Difficulty in thinking and concentrating, forgetfulness Indecisiveness Slowed speech and slowed body movements
Recurrent thoughts of death, suicidal thoughts, suicide attempts or suicide.
ROLE OF FAMILY
When one is going through a bad patch, more often the ones who bear the brunt first are loved ones and family members. Hence, an understanding and supportive family plays a vital role in preventing depression.
“A healthy and positive family atmosphere is very important in eliminating the risk of depression. It is not possible to be always happy. So if there is someone in the family who is feeling low or agitated, the role of the other members is to be calm and discuss it later on. Engaging in healthy communication is very important,” says Namrata Dagia, clinical psychologist, hypnotherapist and founder, The Illuminating Zone, Kandiv ali (W).
She also suggests other habits such as having a family dinner once in a week, if not possible every day, where the entire family also has conversations. A scheduled monthly dine out or a quarterly trip will help too.
With inputs from Dr Kedar Tilwe, Consultant Psychiatrist at Dept. of Mental Health and Behavioural Sciences, Fortis’ S. L Raheja Hospital, Mahim.