Del Rosario: Depression

MENTAL illness is a disorder that affects your mood, thinking and behavior. Examples of mental illness include depression, anxiety disorders, schizophrenia, bipolar or manic-depressive disorders, eating disorders, addictive behaviors, obsessive-compulsive disorders, etc. In all its varied forms, it is an illness!

And just like diabetes, ulcers, and heart blockages, mental illness requires medical attention and intervention. It is nothing to be ashamed of.

An estimated 10 percent of youth and adults suffer from mental illness.

Let us focus on depression.

Almost everyone gets depressed at times, but a big number of people are depressed nearly all the time.

Depression is one of the greatest problems in the world today. It has been called the common cold of emotional illnesses. It is more than just “feeling down”. It is a serious and complex illness caused by changes in brain chemistry. Other factors that contribute to the onset of depression include genetics, changes in hormone levels, certain medical conditions, some medications, substance abuse, conflict, stress, grief or difficult life circumstances.

My late father, a very productive person until his late 60’s, suffered from it during the last 7 to 10 years of his life. He would stay in bed most of the time, and would not wish to see visitors, nor interact with others. Unfortunately, we were not aware that medical intervention was immediately needed and could have helped, until several years had passed.

Unlike in America, where mental health issues are addressed in the open, and people see a psychiatrist when the need arises, sadly, it is still quite taboo in the Philippines to talk about it, much less, admit having mental illnesses in our families.

Unless it is recognized and accepted, urgent treatment is not given. Thus, the patient, the family and relatives suffer. The children of the mentally ill patients suffer immensely and pitifully, and can even be scarred for life.

At the first signs of depression, seek the help of a psychiatrist, and comply with the prescribed medication.

While we only have about 15 practicing psychiatrists in our city, not enough to meet the needs of our people, we are still blessed, as I was told that many provinces in Luzon, have ZERO practicing psychiatrists. Thus, patients from nearby provinces have to come to Baguio or have to go to Manila for treatment.

Rick Warren, the author of the Purpose Driven Life Book, wrote a very enlightening article on coping with some forms of depression, many of which are caused by faulty thinking. How we feel can be caused by our thoughts. If we think in a negative way, we are going to feel depressed. If we look at life from a negative perspective, we will feel down.

When faced with negative emotions, it would help to change the way one thinks.

Some helpful ideas that he shares are:

1. Focus on the facts, not on your feelings.

Feelings are not facts; they can be unreliable.

For example, if you feel like a failure, you will assume you are a failure.

The fact is, everyone is entitled to commit errors, and we can miss hitting our goals, without being a failure as a person.

One way to good mental health is to be open about your feelings. Be aware of them. Vent them out. That’s where having a good and competent confidant and/or psychotherapist is of great help. I would advise finding one who is spiritually well grounded.

John 8:32 “then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free”

2. Do not compare yourself with others

The popular poem “Desiderata” says it clearly:

“If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain or bitter, for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself”.

Everyone is unique. There is only one person you can be, and that is you. If you always try to imitate other people and act like them, you could get depressed. We tend to compare our weaknesses with other people’s strengths, forgetting that those people could be weak in areas where we may be strong.

Be yourself.

3. Don’t take false blame

Sometimes we have the habit of helping people. But people do not always respond the way we want them to. This applies to our children, our friends, our spouse, or people we work with.

People respond or react in different ways. We cannot assume responsibility for their actions. We can influence people, but we cannot control them.

Why? Because God has given each of us free will.

When we assume responsibility for other people’s decisions, we accept a burden that can depress us.

Do not be depressed by something we cannot control.

My dearest family and friends,

When you see signs of mental illness in family members and friends, seek out someone who can convince that person to seek medical help. Most people who are depressed or mentally ill do not realize they are sick, will not accept that they are ill, and usually refuse medical intervention.

Depressed persons have difficulty vocalizing their needs. Their relationship skills are significantly diminished and communication becomes a problem, as the person is embarrassed to say how he feels, anticipating judgment.

Let me add some helpful tips for those who may be encountering some forms of depression:

1. SUNSHINE - Get plenty of sunshine. Exposure to sunlight increases the brain’s release of the hormone serotonin, which boosts mood and helps a person feel calm and focused

2. SLEEP - Get enough sleep and be rested. Lack of sleep and sleep problems are associated with some forms of depressive illnesses. It can negatively influence your outlook on life, energy level, motivation and emotions. Mood changes affect not only your individual mental health, but your relationships and family dynamics.

3. SUPPORT - Reach out and accept support. Emotional support and understanding from family and friends help the patient on his recovery journey.

4. EXERCISE – Protects us from physical ailments and releases the body’s feel good chemicals called endorphins. Exercise causes nerve cells to grow and make new connections which helps relieve depression.

5. EAT HEALTHY FOODS - Our bodies become what we eat. Healthy foods as diet for depression include: fatty fish, omega-3, flaxseed, chia seeds, walnuts, canola, soybean and olive oils, fresh fruits and dark green leafy vegetables.

6. MEDICINES – Religiously take medicines prescribed by your psychiatrist.

7. MINDSET - Have a positive and proper perspective. Shift our thoughts away from negativity. Avoid being in the company of negative-minded persons, nagging and/or quarrelsome persons. Surround ourselves with optimistic, positive, God-fearing, and God-inspired people. Be with people who can influence us positively!

Romans 12:2 says: “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your MIND. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – his good, pleasing and perfect will.”

8. PRAY - Surrender our concerns and frustrations to the Lord. Let God be part of our lives, and let Him provide the solution to the problems that face us, in His TIME, and according to His will.

After we have done our part and given our best, let our singular prayer be:

“THY WILL BE DONE.”

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