Discussing depression is important. It is a medical condition that extends far beyond sadness. Social isolation, loss of self-esteem, feelings of hopeless, failure, and helplessness are also symptoms of depression. Trying to handle it all alone may help to shield one from the stigma of depression, but it continues to feed into the disease process. The following is a guide on how to help yourself OR how to help others.
- Select a safe and comfortable space for your discussion.
- Depression affects more than 15 million individuals in the US alone. Remember: you are not alone!It is an inheritable, genetically-based medical disease predisposing the individual to a chemical imbalance of neurotransmitters in the brain. Depression is considered a medical disease of the brain just like:
Multiple Sclerosis
Parkinson’s disease
Alzheimer’s disease
Huntington’s disease
ALS
Therefore, treated medically! Don’t sugarcoat your symptoms, and how it affects your life when you talk with your physician.
- Pay attention to their non-verbal cues. Body language, pauses in speech, and more can help you judge whether someone feels concerned, scared, or confused about your depression.
- Explain your current treatment plan as discussed with your physicians
- Tell friends and family how they can help you on your journey to brain health & wellness.
- Be supportive of loved ones who you think might benefit from medical treatment.
- Ask them to keep in touch via e-mail, a text, FaceTime, or a phone call.
The team at Dr. Sambunaris & Associates, along with the Institute for Advanced Medical Research has been diagnosing, treating and researching psychiatric and neurologic illnesses such as ADHD, anxiety, depression, PTSD, insomnia, Binge Eating Disorder, and fibromyalgia for over 18 years in the Atlanta metro area. To learn more about our clinical research programs and the Program in Advanced Psychiatry call 770-817-9200.
Author Angelo Sambunaris, M.D.