Talking about depression continues to be a social taboo and many keep on suffering silently because of that. Depression, one of the most common mental health conditions, is a global concern now. Mental health experts often worry about the pervasive reluctance among people all over the world to talk about depression. However, according to researchers, it is a basic human instinct to find it hard to talk about depression. The impulse comes from the inherent desire to be liked and also from not getting embarrassed.
Depression as a mental health condition can be prevented and treated. A proper understanding of what depression is, and its cure helps reduce social and internal stigmas associated with it and leads to lower rates of mortality associated with the disease. This is why it is critical to talk about depression openly.
The very first thing to know about depression is that it is a disease and the symptoms of the condition demand proper medical intervention. However, it is understandable that emotions like sadness, guilt, hopelessness, and helplessness are extremely hard to express and share. This is why many with depression tend to disregard the symptoms than blatantly lie about them. This is where a therapist or a psychiatrist comes in and helps you open up by asking the right questions in a skill-full way.
COVID19 and depression
The ongoing COVID19 pandemic has further aggravated the mental health space where prolonged home confinement is taking a severe toll on the human mind. In India, the situation is also very worrisome.As a country with a conservative societal approach, India makes her citizens all the more indisposed to talk about mental health issues. Available data suggests that nearly two out of three people with depression never seek any treatment. On the other hand, for people with depression, psychiatrist consultation regarding what’s going on in their mind is the first step toward getting better. It is only after this step, that a treatment plan, which normally involves a combination of psychotherapy and medication, can be arrived at.
In many cases, people first consult the primary care doctor or GP. But for depression, a psychiatrist consultation will always be necessary. This is because psychiatrists are skilled in recommending the right kind of medications dependingupon your specific symptoms. Besides, they will also help you in developing a depression management strategy. To make this possible, it’s absolutely vital to talk about your depression and also about what you are feeling. Remember, a psychiatric consultation without disclosing the whole truth is simply waste of time and money.
Mental health experts believe that it takes courage and a true leap of faith to admit symptoms of depression to a therapist or a psychiatrist. But holding back, out of embarrassment or fear, will not help you get to the root cause of your depression.
At DocGenie, certified and experienced psychiatrists,highly qualified in treating depression, can help you with the best possible solutions. Consult psychiatrist online on our platform to start building a foundation that will eventually rid you off your depression.
What you need to know about psychiatric consultations
While you go for a Online doctor consultation , keep in your mind the following things to share –
Symptoms you face
While depression primarily is a mental health condition, it also displays certain physical symptoms. These include sleeplessness, lethargy, lack of appetite and loss of interest in daily activities. Besides, there are several medical conditionssuch as vitamin and mineral deficiencies, hormonal changes, and thyroid that can cause symptoms similar to depression. Depression could also be the side effects of your medication or some other unknown cause.
All of these are critical cogs in planning your treatment and must be shared with during psychiatrist consultations. Some of these issues might appear hard to admit and share, but it is only by letting your doctor know about them that a proper depression management strategy can be chalked out.Tell your therapist everything that is in your heart and mind.
Another very crucial symptom is suicidal thoughts. If you are having any such thought, by all means share it with your psychiatrist. It is highly pertinent to note here that more than two-thirds of all suicides happen due to depression. Consider any serious suicidal thought as a medical emergency and immediately consult a therapist or mental health professional. If you are looking for psychiatrists in Delhi, you can look up for the best in town psychiatrists at Docgenie.
Sources of stress
Depression mostly happens from some kid of stressful situation that you are facing. You must let your psychiatristor your therapist know about all that is troubling you at work or at home. Common causes of stress include job loss, separation or divorce, problems in relationship, etc. However, your therapist will also need to know what all is happening in other spheres of your life in order to help you effectively. Prolonged drug and alcohol use can also lead to stress and depression.
Medications you take
If you are under some kind of medication due to your depression, chances are that the doses might require adjustments. Hence, it is important to share if you are experiencing any side effects from the medication. Also, remember this as a thumb rule -do not stop a medication without consulting your therapist.
Self-medicating to deal with your depression is a fatal choice. It becomes all the morerisky when you keep these behaviours to yourself.
Always remember that dealing with depression is a two-way process. If your depression remains unabated even after seeing your therapist for a considerable period of time, there could be lack of connect. In such cases think of changing your therapist and finding someone you can connect better one who can help you truly open up.