How to tackle the Noonday demon?

Depression is colloquially known as the afternoon demon. Who doesn’t know this term? I am sure there are very few who have not heard this term. It is not very unusual for us to say, “I am depressed” when the life doesn’t go as we want it to be.  In fact, it has become a meme, to borrow the term of Richard Dawkins. But what is depression really? The DSM defines depression as a state of mind, where is one is persistently sad for a period of at least 15 days which in turn has a debilitating effect on one’s normal, day to day functioning of life. But the story doesn’t end there.

All thanks to the recent advancements in technology, we now know that depression is not just when your mood hits the downhill, but it is empirically proven that it is a bio-chemical disorder of the brain. There is a neuro chemical called serotonin, which plays a key role in the gelling of the synapses. The deficiency of this chemical causes depression. But depression is not just mere sadness. It is much more that, and it comes in many ugly colours.

Some feel sad, for some experience emotional turmoil, beyond one’s capability of expression and some even get angry. It is said that there are myriad symptoms of depression. It takes only a certified mental health professional; be it a psychologist or psychiatrist to diagnose it. A big caveat for the patients or the caretakers: Never take the task of treatment in your own hands. Let the professionals do that for you.

Psychotherapy is usually considered to be the first line of treatment for depression depending on the patient’s score on the Hamilton scale. Hamilton scale is considered the gold standard for evaluating the given patient’s intensity of depression. It can be mild, moderate or severe. It is my opinion that for mild or moderate cases, psychotherapy would do. If one is severely depressed; say on a scale of 1-10, if the score is 8 or 9 then the patient should be immediately put on the anti-depressant medication.  This is what my reading and research indicates.

However, it takes time for the medicine to have its effect, and cause a substantial change in the patient’s behaviour, thus allowing him to resume his normal lifestyle. Above all, it should be remembered that depression is not a weakness of character, and seeking help is not a sign of weakness. Timely help and prompt treatment will make the patient’s life better and the caretaker lives easier.

 Disclaimer: The above article is just my opinion. It is no substitute for a consultation with a psychologist. I have written this article based on my readings of psychology