Patients in need of aid have limited access to assistance
the goan I network
PANAJI
Sangath psychologist Urvita Bhatia said though there were informal means of curing depression, it was the formal resources that were
quite low.
“Self care in such situations is one way of addressing the issue. But formal resources, whether as psychiatrists, psychologists or health professionals, are not enough. And in some cases, there are professionals to help, but those requiring this assistance have no access to it. The access is limited and not ideal for large numbers,” she said.
Citing the National Mental Health Survey, Bhatia said the total budget available for mental health was less than 1 per cent in most states. There is a paucity of mental health professionals (psychiatrists, psychologists and psychiatric social workers) in India,
she added.
In India, as presented by the World Health Organisation (WHO) in the year 2014, for every 100,000 people, there were only 0.30 psychiatrists, 0.12 nurses and 0.07 psychologists available.
Sangath has, however, devised a new form of treatment for severe depression through the training of lay counselors.
What is depression and what if you’re suffering from it?
According to the WHO, depression is an illness characterised by persistent sadness and loss of interest in activities that one normally enjoys, accompanied by an inability to carry out daily activities for at least two weeks.
If these symptoms persist for more than two weeks, it is advisable to go to a doctor to get evaluated.
The symptoms include:
# loss of energy
# change in appetite
# sleeping more or less
# anxiety
# reduced concentration
# indecisiveness
# restlessness
# feelings of worthlessness guilt, or hopelessness
# thoughts of self harm or suicide
Consequences of depression
n Talking about depression as a vital component of recovery. Talking about depression, whether with a family member, friend or medical professional is one step
n The risk of becoming depression is increased by poverty, unemployment, life events such as the death of a loved one or a relationship break up, physical illness and problems caused by alcohol and drug use
n Depression causes mental anguish and can impact people’s ability to carry out even the simplest of everyday tasks
n Untreated depression can prevent people from working and participating in family and community life
n At worst, depression can lead to suicide
Treatment for depression
n Talk therapy with a trained therapist is one of the best treatments. The common types of therapy include:
n Cognitive behavioral therapy that helps you see how behaviour and the way you think about things plays a role in your depression
n Interpersonal therapy focuses on your relationships with other people and how they affect you
n Problem-solving therapy focuses on the specific problems you face and helps you find solutions
n Medications include: antidepressants belonging to the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), other serotonergic antidepressants, serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) and tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)
