Depression is a treatable condition and people can feel good again....Psychotherapy is a therapeutic interaction between a trained professional and the patient to solve problems which are psychological in nature...said Dr Om Prakash, Geriat...ric Psychiatrist & Associate Professor, IHBAS Delhi. http://www.drugtodayonline.com/review/329-depression,-the-leading-cause-of-suicides.html News story published in Drug Today Medical Times
Suicide not only results into the loss of a person but the people around are left wondering if they could have done something to prevent that person from taking the extreme step. Many millions of hours are spent by near and dear ones trying to cope with the loss of those who died by suicide. Short periods of overwhelming hopelessness or frustration mar the chances to live a normal life leading the person to end his/her life.
Suicide is among the top three causes of death among youth worldwide. According to a WHO report almost one million people die from suicide every year and 20 times more people attempt suicide. A global mortality rate of 16 per 100,000 or one death every 40 seconds and one attempt every 3 seconds has been recorded on an average. India alone accounts for more than one lakh suicidal deaths every year. In the last three decades (1975 to 2005) the suicide rate increased by 43 per cent. It may be noted that 71 per cent of suicides in India are by persons below the age of 44 years. This imposes a huge social, emotional and economic burden on the country.
Over 90 per cent of people who die by suicide had suffered from some form of mental illness at the time of their death and the most common mental illness is depression. Depression is triggered by several negative life experiences. Thus, there are usually several causes, and not just one, for suicide. Death of a loved one, failure of a relationship, loss of property, loss of hope, being victimized as in case of rape, childhood emotional and physical neglect, a feeling of not being accepted by family, friends or society, physical or sexual abuse, feeling ‘trapped in a situation’ or ‘taken advantage of’ are among the negative experiences of life that may lead to major depression disorder. Losing a parent early in life probably increases the risk to some extent.
Getting depression is involuntary, no one wishes to have it, just like one don’t ask for diabetes or cancer. A person who has it does not look at life like a typical person who feels good. Their mental illness prevents them from being able to look forward to life. They lose their ability to look forward to a good future. They don’t realize they are suffering from a treatable condition and feel hopeless and helpless. They don’t wish to end life, but it’s the only way they feel they can kill their pain.
Ending life with suicide is not an overnight decision. The person remains mentally sick for a long period and may need medication or help of friends and family to overcome the tough time. Individuals who are depressed and exhibit symptoms as extreme hopelessness, lack of interest in activities that were previously pleasurable, panic attacks, heightened anxiety, previous suicide attempts and irritability are at a higher risk of suicide.
Depression is a treatable condition and people can feel good again. Psychotherapy has emerged as the quickest and most effective way to treat depression. It is a therapeutic interaction between a trained professional and the patient to solve problems which are psychological in nature. Dr Om Prakash, Geriatric Psychiatrist & Associate Professor, IHBAS Delhi, said “Psychotherapy – also called talk therapy or counseling – is a constructive way to deal with problems and issues that are psychological in nature. This is done by regular counseling and distortion in thinking and attitudes are corrected by resolving the conflicts and providing a supportive hand. It is recommended to a person with mental health concern that is causing the individual a great deal of pain for longer than a few days.”
Moreover, depression leading to suicidal thoughts is a temporary state of mind. If timely emotional support is offered to the person who is experiencing deep unhappiness and distress, the risk of them committing suicide can be prevented. Regular exercise, healthy eating and maintaining friendships can help individuals to cope better with stressful situations.
http://www.drugtodayonline.com/review/329-depression,-the-leading-cause-of-suicides.html
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