More people now suffering from depression
MIRI: The number of people living with depression is increasing by the year. Psychiatry and Mental Health Department of Miri Hospital are receiving 40- 50 new patients suffering from depression every year. The attendance at its psychiatric clinic has risen from 350 new patients in 2013- 2014 to 500 patients in 2016.
The head of department and psychiatrist Dr Bawih Inu Pu’un said the clinic attendance in 2016 was 7,800 patients, out of whom 10 per cent were suffering from depression.
She mentioned some reasons for the rise: the public becoming more aware of the availability of psychiatric service in Miri Hospital; and the recent economic turmoil (such as in the oil and gas industry) causing patients to move from private health services to government hospitals/clinics.
“Not to mention socioeconomic difficulties that stress individuals,” she told The Borneo Post recently.
Depression is a mental illness with symptoms such as persistent low mood, negative thoughts and deterioration in social interaction, academic functioning and ability to work.
Dr Bawih said the low mood or sadness on most days might persist for more than two weeks with loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities, feelings of helplessness and hopelessness, self- blame, poor concentration on task, poor memory, sleep and appetite disturbance.
Saying depression affects everyone regardless of age, and is diagnosed by a psychiatrist or doctor trained in mental health through mental health examination, as in interviewing the patient and getting collaborative history from his family members.
“There is no specific test to diagnose depression though medical conditions may cause depressive symptoms.”
When in severe depression, the individual experience psychosis (hallucinations and delusions) and suicidal thinking or attempted suicide. The ratio of male to female suffering from depression is equal.
Dr Bawih said depression comes in various forms such as type A personality where the person is a high achiever and has high expectation of self; or hereditary where the patient has a family history of mood disorder linked to low socioeconomic status, dissatisfaction with or loss of job, recent loss of loved ones, divorce, stress at the workplace, poor family dynamics, drug abuse and excessive alcohol intake.
The type of depression can be Major Depressive Disorder where symptoms and signs of depression last more than two weeks, with deterioration of ability to function ( socialise, study and work) and Dysthymia where chronic low mood last more than two years, the ability to function left intact.
Bipolar depression presents as alternating episodes of depression and hypomania. Post- partum depression can strike mothers in the first six weeks post- delivery. Depression can be caused by medical conditions and chronic use of drugs or alcohol. She said depression can inhibit the ability to interact with others, academic performance deteriorates, and loss of ability to work.
“When in severe depression, the individual experience psychosis ( hallucinations and delusions) and suicidal thinking or attempted suicide. The ratio of male to female suffering from depression is equal.
“Women are portrayed as more emotional, thus more willing to seek help while men tend to hide their emotions due to ego which can hinder from seeking treatment.
“Depression is treatable and preventable. Mental health care involves practising good coping skills, managing stress, healthy lifestyle, say no to drugs and avoid excessive alcohol. Depressed patients can be treated by a family medicine specialist in polyclinics or doctors in clinics and district hospitals.
“Mental Health Association of Sarawak, Miri branch provides free counselling and support apart from rehabilitation. The community can help by not stigmatising, judging or being prejudiced against the depressed but be informed about it and learn how to help those afflicted.
“Bring anyone you know with signs of depression to seek early treatment,” she advised.
The world will on April 7 celebrate World Health Day 2017 themed ‘ Depression: Let’s Talk’ to enlighten the public on depression and its prevention and treatment.
Dr Bawih Inu Pu’un, Miri Hospital head of department and psychiatrist