Today’s topic of discussion revolved around depression, and how we can identify it’s symptoms.

The expert guest for the day was Dr. Lakshmi, a Psychiatrist with the Schizophrenia Research Foundation (Scarf).

She talks about a patient of her’s who went into depression after losing out on a promotion at work. She was completely demotivated, unwilling to go to work, and it had started to affect her normal functioning. Dr. Lakshmi tried to understand the situation and why at this point of time, this particular individual reacted this way. What is her thinking and how has it lead to depression? She needed to break down the events and eliminate the negative thoughts. She was prescribed antidepressants as it was a very severe case. The patient had to start talking to the people around her on her own for support.

There are stressors in every part of life, so if you feel you can’t handle it, reach out to a Psychiatrist for help.

The first caller- Srinidhi- She says that after Deepika Padukone’s confession about battling depression it struck her that it can affect anyone! Srinidhi is doing CA and was always a topper in academics. She now feels stressed out all the time and feels like she’s letting herself down. Frustrated, demotivated and succumbing to peer pressure. She’s not sure if she’s depressed.

Lakshmi responds that depression tends to attack when they don’t have a lot of friends, you’re dwelling alone and no one to help find a solution. People need to have a close group of friends to share they’re deepest secrets confidentially to share the burden. She says to eat and sleep on time as it can help can help.

She also says to look inward and not compare yourself to others. Everyone has their own strengths, identify yours and build on those. Focus on your goal.

She says it’s important to include some exercise in your routine as it can also reduce depression. Avoid things that can depress you further, like alcohol. Break down your problems into smaller steps and face them bit by bit.

Srinidhi has an acute fear of failure and has not given some exams because of this.

Jane says if you don’t face failure at an early stage, you won’t be prepared to face real life.

Lakshmi also agrees, saying failure makes you stronger. Worrying about failure is often worse than failure itself. If this has been going on for over 2 weeks and it’s affecting her functioning, then she advices that Srinidhi should consult a Psychiatrist. It won’t necessarily be medication but there are other treatments.

Jane poses the question – How do you know when you’re depressed? Most people don’t admit it even to themselves.

Dr. Lakshmi says it starts very slowly and is difficult to recognise. More often than not, people around you might notice first. A person becomes withdrawn, lose their temper often and aren’t as productive as they used to be. A partner or spouse, friend or anyone close can take them aside and ask if everything’s ok and why they don’t seem like their usual selves.

In the beginning stages it can be fought off easily by doing things that make you happy.

The second caller, Prabhu asks where do you draw a line between regular stress or anxiety and depression?

Dr. Lakshmi says that when we deal with stress, we find a solution and recover within a few days. If it goes beyond 2 weeks or starts affecting day to day functioning or leads to suicidal thoughts – these are definite signs of depression.

In conclusion, Dr. Lakshmi gives us the top 5 things to do everyday to keep depression at bay:

1. Talk to someone

2. Eat well 3 times a day

3. Sleep adequately

4. Exercise

5. Avoid alcohol and street drugs

And most importantly, to be hopeful because the best is yet to come!