Beware! Depression is in the air

Psychiatrists maintain that the lack of sunshine and the tendency to stay indoors has a negative impact on the already troubled minds. “Dejected people fall prey to internal depression which is more serious in nature as compared to depression caused by external factors. It’s the feeling of hopelessness and worthlessness that gets compounded, leading to depression,” says Dr B.S. Chavan, Department of Psychiatry, Government Medical College and Hospital, Sector 32.

The lack of vibrancy in the air and inclination to inactivity further encourage a depressed person to stay aloof, while the mind dwells on negative feelings and aspects. “He’s practically cut off from everybody, a loner residing in his own world where he doesn’t see himself as somebody who matters or somebody who can make a difference to another’s life. Staying aloof and cut-off is one big indicator that gives away a depressed person,” adds Patiala-based Dr Satish Thapar, a consulatant with Oswal Cancer Hospital, Ludhiana.

Dr Chavan maintains that other giveaways of a person suffering from depression are lack of interest and pleasure in routine activity, lack of sleep and appetite, negative feelings of hopelessness and blaming oneself for all that goes wrong.

“Family and friends should look out for these key indicators in people prone to depression since winters is the time when the problem is at its peak. For any slight indication of depression setting in and before it goes out of hand, a doctor should be consulted,” he empahsises. In such a situation, the family members, on their part, too, can be of help in their own small way—by encouraging the depressed individual, involving him in activity and conversation and just being around, always.

While treatment is the only solution to depression, doctors also maintain that prescribed medicines should be given only under supervision and these, too, should be out of the reach of the patient.