A medical view of depression

There are many loose definitions of this serious condition, which requires greater attention, expert says

Dr Irina Khanna of the Illuminations Centre for Well-Being throws light on depression and the importance of having self-worth and how there is a link between the two. What is depression? Depression is a serious mental condition. It affects a person’s thoughts and perceptions, feelings and behaviour. However, the word “depression” has been used and misused in many different contexts. People quite often express their feelings of sadness and hopelessness as “I am depressed “.

Therefore, when someone is struggling with clinical depression, it is commonly misunderstood as a personal weakness or lack of will power.

Depression is more than being sad and helpless. It is a disorder that requires a professional help. There is nothing to be ashamed of. If people can easily accept that they are suffering from high blood pressure or diabetes, then why should they refrain from accepting that they are suffering from depression?

What triggers depression? Is depression a combination of circumstances, personal characteristics and neuro-chemistry?

Yes. Depression can be triggered by various environmental and physical conditions. The loss of a loved one, loss of a job, hormonal imbalance, substance abuse and other traumatic events. Prolonged physical illnesses and medication can also cause depression.

Is depression a genetic disorder?

It has been observed that depression runs in families, like diabetes and other disorders. Scientists believe that as many as 40 per cent of depression cases can trace it to a genetic link. The other 60 per cent are caused by environmental and other factors.

However, if we blame our genes for it, we accept that this condition is there forever and can’t be treated. Which is not the case. One needs to take care of the environment and reach out for professional help on time.

Is it true that money and fame cannot offer immunity against depression, as the cases of Kate Spade and Bourdain suggest?

Money and wealth cannot offer immunity against depression.

It’s been projected that if your are wealthy you would be happy. But that’s far from the truth. An analogy for this is like saying, if you are wealthy, you don’t fall sick.

The moment we create the analogy with our physical health, it all makes sense. Once and for all, mental health is as important as physical health.

Why do celebrities feel the need to end their lives despite having it all?

“Having it all” is not a vaccination for depression. There are many people struggling with this disease and thousands of them end their lives every year. These people come from different walks of life. Celebrities are famous, hence everyone comes to know about their cases.

Many people spend all their lives chasing fame and money. Yet, when they get there, it doesn’t seem good enough.

There is nothing wrong with fame or money. If we associate fame and money to be the only source of our happiness and emotional well-being, it becomes a problem.

Happiness derived from the external world is shortlived, because we are not in charge of our environment. It is important to invest time and energy in developing the skills to reach this state internally.

A few suggestions to increase one’s sense of satisfaction and well-being:

✔Identify your passion and follow it.

✔Create meaningful relationships.

✔Develop your spirituality.

✔Take care of your health.

If people can easily accept that they are suffering from high blood pressure or diabetes, then why should they not accept that they are suffering from depression?”

Dr Irina Khanna | Illuminations Centre for Well-Being