How to deal with depression ?
The outbreak of Covid19 altered our approach towards life, relationships, and nature too. Things changed in a short period of time, before we could realise the change had already begun in our mind and body. Loneliness, lack of social gatherings brought many under the shadow of depression.
Many new how to deal with it, but there were others who couldn’t bear the pain. But wait. Depression, anxiety can be cured so wait untill you make the final decision. Pune Pulse spoke to few mental health workers on how we can keep depression at bay.
POONAM DHANDHANIA, a councillor from Ganga Satellite shares, “Depression is a withdrawal which grows like fire within the mind. You really have to work on it. And it’s curable. Once you can recognise it, you can recover from the low phase.” THESE TIPS CAN HELP YOU DEAL WITH DEPRESSION : Acknowledge you’re in pain Talk to someone you trust Dance, walk, do yoga Make sure to soak in the sun – EVERY DAY! Get out for a cup of coffee with your peers. Be with people who really love you Listen to good, happy songs. Care for a pet Find meaning of your life and pursue that. Maybe volunteer at some place, take up a hobby, play an instrument. Do something, Gardening, cooking or painting. It is deeply healing and therapeutic. Don’t do anything that doesn’t make you feel good. Have a schedule for eating and sleeping. Both these are very essential. Eat fresh, good, wholesome meals.
ASHNA MITRA, Consultant Mental Health Professional informs, “Depression is a mental health disorder wherein an individual persistently experiences low moods, a loss of interest in activities and a withdrawal from social exchanges; and is the result of a complex interaction between biological, social and psychological factors. It interferes with an individual’s functioning and varies in severity.” A resident of Sunshree E, she adds, “COPING WITH DEPRESSION CAN BE POSSIBLE WITH FOLLOWING WAYS : Physical exercise enables the body to release endorphins Eat healthy. Get enough sleep. Practice simple breathing techniques Stay away from alcohol and drugs Let friends, family know what you are experiencing. Avoid self-diagnosis and seek help of a mental health professional if you experience these symptoms for 2 weeks.
JAYASRI RENGARAJAN, Consulting Psychologist, Mind Matter Clinic, Wanowrie and a resident of Cloud 9 says, “The world is going through many challenges. Maintaining social distancing, not touching your own face and not touching others, fear of contracting the disease, fear of near and dear ones getting affected, postponement of weddings and events and not doing favourite things, visiting favourite place or meeting the people they like, all these are causing continuous stress. This constant stress and fear with uncertainty of future, becomes the ground for psychological ailments to thrive. Before it gets worse, work on it. Spend less on crisis mode. Limit your news intake. Set a routine and follow. Eat healthy and sleep well. Exercise at least for half an hour and do lot of physical activities. Avoid alcohol and drugs. Be socially active. By reaching out, sharing and supporting you can get rid of the negative thoughts. Talk therapy like Cognitive Behaviour Therapy are very effective in dealing with wide variety of psychological problems including depression and anxiety.”Above all, please stay positive. World has seen worst crisis before and this too shall pass.
