Thirty years ago, when I was a Masters student of psychology, the term ‘depression’ and its ramifications were mostly read in books, whether Freudian or Neo-Freudian, or what came to be called ‘abnormal psychology’. Today, depression is not abnormal; it’s more common than a common cold! Depression in its various manifestations has come out of closet to be discussed in a taboo-free manner. In fact, once, on my return from Vellore by train, I got into a conversation with a simple couple and their very attractive-looking daughter. Within seconds, they confided that they were visiting a doctor for treatment of her ‘mood disorder/depression’. I was pleased at their openness to share, trust and not seek any solace.
Awareness, and the confidence to come out without suffering for too long, have been the hallmark of several mental health NGOs such as The Banyan, Sneha, Ishwar Sankalp and M-Hat.The other extreme of this development is that some wear depression as a cloak of honour, or even as a prize with a big label. In cafes, beauty parlours and clubs, people discuss the travails of being depressed, which self-help aids they applied, how close friends and some professionals gave them a road map to recovery, and how supportive external agencies have been (be it at work, home or society, in a broad sense).
Early interventions — such as a non-delayed visit to a general or mental health professional for an assessment, after identifying a few symptoms — are becoming quite frequent. From thereon, a certain treatment pattern — whether counselling, pharmacotherapy, lifestyle and family adaptations, and self-determination — are healthy indicators of wanting to address depression. Early warning signals, remissions and relapses are easily discussed with social workers, counsellors, psychiatrists, GMPs, and even with colleagues and friends. Support mechanisms are sought via various means. More contact-based encounter group meetings, like self-help groups with a sense of responsibility to tackle the problem, are gradually emerging.
These are heartening signs but are they enough? WHO still stands on the fact that a quarter of the world’s population is prone to depression at least once in their lifetime. People, even professionals, tend to forget that a chart is a must especially for follow-up after the first episode of depression till we can allow for independence without alarm. Following-up in both the individual and professional capacity is another lacuna, for which the burden on the individual and family is high. Losing a day’s work/wages and the time and expenditure involved in actuals and incidentals are not easy, even if provisions are available.
So what is our problem? Prevention, intervention or early remediation and follow up? In my experience, we falter at the preventive stage. A healthy mind in a healthy body from a very young age is the key to circumvent or deal with depression efficaciously, even if it is marked by family history. We have to make mental-health friendly changes in our lifestyle. Also, finding inner capabilities and cope-abilities, positive outlets, recreation and, above all, believing in one’s own resources and interdependent sources is crucial to a depression-free life. We try to prevent colds, coughs, fevers and the like, don’t we? Why not do the same for depression without alarm and desolation?
Depression can be debilitating and numbing. However, if we attempt to challenge it and move on, it leaves us. It’s never here to stay.
Dr. Lakshmi Ravikanth is a psychologist, corporate trainer and executive coach. lokhee@gmail.com
