Decoding Depression- Managing Your Condition
“I don’t know why you say you’re depressed! You’ve nothing to feel sad about. Everything is going extremely well for you!”
We have all heard these words. Some of us might have uttered them too. To others or to ourselves because, when it comes to depression, we need justification. A tangible reason that lends legitimacy to our condition. “I’m depressed because—” followed by an explanation allows us to be worthy of our condition. Depression without a ‘real’ reason is seen as a weakness, something that we ought to pull ourselves out of.
Dr Girish Banwari, Specialist Psychiatrist with LifeWorks, Dubai, says that this is a fallacy that most people live with. “Depression need not be in response to an external stimulus,” he explains, quoting the instance of Ms Deepika Padukone, the Bollywood celebrity who spoke publicly about her condition. “It can happen for no reason, ‘out of the blue’ as they say, because some of us are biologically vulnerable to depression. It could be genetic, or it could be due to a physical condition like hypothyroidism.” An unhappy event, a failing relationship, or continued financial problems only serve to unmask that existing vulnerability.
Depression, Dr Banwari asserts, is a result of bio-psycho-social factors. “No two people will respond to the same situation in the same way. Person A might be able to accept their loss of job, put it behind them and move on, but Person B might be devastated by it. This could be due to their biological propensity towards depression, the inherent differences in their internal coping mechanisms, or external factors such as support from family and friends.”
Dr Banwari also underlines the fact that clinical depression is not something that can disappear as quietly as it appeared. “Seeking professional help is seen as self-indulgence by most people, and they try to ‘pick themselves up and move on with life’. Sometimes it might even seem as if they have managed to come out of depression on your own. But remember that in such instances, there is always the possibility of a relapse,” he cautions.
The treatment for depression depends on the severity of the condition. For mild to moderate depression, psychotherapy – combined with good social support – can work wonders. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Rational Emotive Therapy (RET) and Interpersonal Therapy (IPT) are some forms of therapy used to treat depression. Though there is a strong resistance among people towards medication, moderate to severe depression should be treated with a combination of medicines and psychotherapy.
Depression is the most prevalent mental disorder in today’s world, especially among the urban population. It is also among the most neglected of all health issues, and if left untreated can lead to self harm or even death. Even mild to moderate depression can significantly reduce the quality of life. “Recognising symptoms and seeking professional help at the earliest can help heal faster, and perhaps prevent tragedies from happening,” says Dr Banwari.
To understand the causes of depression and how to manage it, click here.
If you would like to talk, feel free to reach out to us. An LifeWorks therapist would be able to help.
Dr. Naeema Ali trained psychology and social worker students of UAE University. She is actively providing counselling support to cancer patients and their families. She launched an occupational therapy for cancer patients and cognitive behavioural therapy in Tawam.
Due to her continued support in oncology and ongoing support to cancer patients, Naeema received countless awards locally and international to recognize her achievements and skills. She has been invited to participate in various conferences and workshops around the world and invited as a guest speaker in various subjects that covers psychology.
She also joined Al Sayegh Medical Center as a Social Worker, providing comprehensive assessment and treatment services to children and families, in inpatient and/or outpatient settings, and communicates with referral sources as indicated by applying psychometric test, such as IQ Test, MMPI, Wechsler Test for children. Exhibit superior communication skills to uncover complicated mental health issues; develop and recommend treatment plans based on patient needs and diagnosis.
She continued working as a clinical psychologist providing counselling within the multi-cultural environment of the Emirates Airlines for the past 15 years. Her main task is providing mental health support to inflight and ground staff and addresses any problems, anxieties, or job-related stresses that they are dealing with. She uses her findings to help improve processes and behaviors of a patient to maintain a safe environment, to manage stress, overcome trauma, or avoid job-related conflicts. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is the method Naeema is using to reduce the difficulties, anxieties, and stress that employee faces.
Naeema is also part of “ Shawer ”, the “Seek Our Advice”, and “We Listen To You” program of the Family Development Foundation of Abu Dhabi. The aim of the program was to promote family awareness and support a stable family life. It involves a group of community members who deal with family problems in a positive manner and provide individual and group counseling in social, psychological, and educational areas. They do so in a systematic way according to the needs of community members.
Besides “ Shawer ”, Naeema is also a volunteer of “ Friends of Cancer ” of Sharjah, supporting patients and their families to overcome the multitude psychological difficulties that they are experiencing due to cancer treatment as well as introducing some programs such as health education, self-care and some community programs wherein they can collaborate and share their experiences.
Area of interest:
-
Psycho-oncology
-
CBT
-
Psychometric Assessments
-
Children, Adults and Family therapy
Qualification and Membership:
-
Psychology graduation from the University of Wisconsin
-
Licensed by Community Development Authority
Dr. Mohammed Bardi M.B.B.S, M.D (Psychiatry) has worked under different capacities in clinical and hospital setups in Saudi, USA, and UAE. He comes with over 15 years of experience in mental health. He specifically worked with cases relating to schizophrenic, bipolar disorder, dual diagnosis, major depressive disorder with suicidal risks, anxiety disorders, Intellectual disabilities, Autistic spectrum disorders and attention deficit hyperactivity disorders (ADHD).
Area of interest:
-
Mood disorders
-
Anxiety disorders
-
Improving life skills (social skills, self- esteem, decision making, coping with stress, problem solving, and time management)
Qualification and Membership:
-
MBBS COLLEAGUE OF MEDICINE, KING SAUD UNIVERSITY 2003 (KKU).
-
ARAB BOARD OF MEDICAL SPECIALTIES IN PSYCHIATRY 2007
-
ANXIETY DISORDERS WORKSHOP (DIPLOMA), 2010
-
ADDICTION FELLOWSHIP UCLA, USA, 2010-2011
-
ADDICTION RESEARCH AND MATRIX TRAINING, ISAP, UCLA, LOS ANGELES, CA, USA 2014-2015
-
BACHELOR’S DEGREE OF MEDICINE AND SURGERY
-
ARAB BOARD OF MEDICAL SPECIALTIES IN PSYCHIATRY
-
ADDICTION FELLOWSHIP UCLA 2011, 2015
-
BETTY FORD CERTIFICATE, ADDICTION PROGRAM 2010
-
CDA) Licensed Psychologist
Therapeutic Approach:
-
At LifeWorks Holistic Counselling Center Dubai, Dr. Bardi works collaboratively within our expert multidisciplinary team, in treating a wide array of psychiatric conditions including:
-
Anxiety disorders
-
Substance use disorders
-
Mood disorders including depression and Bipolar affective disorders
-
Psychotic disorders (Schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders)
-
Personality disorders
-
Cognitive disorders including Dementia
-
Learning disabilities (intellectual disability disorders)
-
Child and adolescents’ disorders like Separation anxiety disorders, conduct
-
disorders and ADHD