Depression

[bbcheung]

Hi, one of my relative was hit by depression.

Any idea of the kind of treatment available?

Any treatment option with drugs excluded?

Thanks

[PNGMK]

If they don't want to use drugs then counselling (group or one on one therapy) is probably the most likely option. I know a counselor if you want a recommendation.

[Strong Eagle]

Depression isn't the problem. Depression is a symptom that something is not working in a person's life.

PNGMK has the right idea. I'd recommend at least an initial one-on-one consultation with a psychologist... not a psychiatrist, who is trained to see everything as an illness... but as a person who understands that depression requires the healing of the whole spirit and psyche.

Group therapy is also a great way to work on depression, for at least two reasons. First, it is an opportunity to talk with others who are sympathetic and willing to listen in a confidential environment. And second, by listening to others, one quickly learns that the problems you thought were unique to you are, in fact, common to many, many people.

I have come to the conclusion that, in the end, psychology and spirituality reach exactly the same end game. Psychological counselling teaches one to become a more integrated personality, to become the whole that is you, and not the neuroses and reactions that drive you.

Spirituality seeks connection with the true Self... not the ego... and in the end, becoming integrated and finding the true Self are one and the same... connection with that which is truly you.

[bbcheung]

Thank you all for the suggestion.

BTW, have any of you heard of the technique called trancranial magnetic stimulation(TMS)??

I came across this when I am doing some research online.

Thanks

[PNGMK]

No. Transcendental Meditation is a discredited practice if it is the same.

[Strong Eagle]

Thank you all for the suggestion.

BTW, have any of you heard of the technique called trancranial magnetic stimulation(TMS)??

I came across this when I am doing some research online.

Thanks

I would stay away from all of that quack stuff... none of it is verified, and no one can tell you how it allegedly works.

There are a couple of bodies of thought when it comes to depression and whether or not there is a physiological basis for depression. There can be a change in brain chemistry in depressed people, and some use this as the reasoning for supplying anti-depressants.

But, the other side of this argument is that it is the act or condition of becoming depressed that creates the change in brain chemistry; therefore, treat what is causing the depression symptoms and the brain chemistry will alter itself again.

I am in the second camp. While anti-depressants may offer a short term way out of a hopeless box, they just do not work for the long term... it is papering over life's problems with drugs.

I've been far down the depression trail. I've tried depression drugs... sure, the numb the depression... but they turn you into a zombie, numb to everything.

Find a good counselor... of the same sex preferable because they'll have more insight into issues, and start the process by talking out what's wrong in life. You don't say if the person is male or female; there are also a variety of experiential retreats that can help a person come to grips with themselves.

[earthfriendly]

There are so many angles to tackle depression. But to keep it short, have you ruled out physiological factors?

- getting enough rest and sleep
-nutritional diet
-minimizing stress
-getting enough physical exercise and sunlight

Is the person engaging in activities that are meaningful to him / her? It can be a job or side activities e.g. playing an instrument, doing art, gardening, listening to music or playing a sport.

I understand it is difficult to stay rational and logical when one is experiencing depression. And it feels like there is a monster living inside you and eating you alive. But if only it is for one's own sake. As well as the sake of their loved ones. One got to give it a try. To try to meet the challenges head on. And to come up with constructive solutions. I wish you and your relative all the best.

[earthfriendly]

I just came across this.....

Most of the depressed and anxious people I know, I realised, are in the 87% who don’t like their work.

https://www.theguardian.com/society/201 ... p_Facebook

[taroyam]

Sadly there are still many who are very uneducated about depression.
Depression can happen to anyone at any age, whether it's passed down from a family or chemical imbalance in your brain.
Exercise and "be more optimistic" can only increase only that much endorphine to help the imbalance.

Replying to OP, how bad is your relative's condition?
If its mild depression, maybe counseling itself and spending more time with people might actually improve.
It its moderate to severe, counseling with medication would can improve the situation for him/her.
I myself is suffering from severe depression but with the help of medication, i could function better like a normal person would.(I'm actually almost completely off them)
And lastly for those electric treatment/surgeries, I suggest this to be the last resort.
Antidepressants won't get you addicted, it just helps with the chemical imbalance and with proper usage it will help your relative by alot!
Oh and there's lots of different antidepressants too, definitely need to see which one works better for him/her!

[taroyam]

Sadly there are still many who are very uneducated about depression.
Depression can happen to anyone at any age, whether it's passed down from a family or chemical imbalance in your brain.
Exercise and "be more optimistic" can only increase only that much endorphine to help the imbalance.

Replying to OP, how bad is your relative's condition?
If its mild depression, maybe counseling itself and spending more time with people might actually improve.
It its moderate to severe, counseling with medication would can improve the situation for him/her.
I myself is suffering from severe depression but with the help of medication, i could function better like a normal person would.(I'm actually almost completely off them)
And lastly for those electric treatment/surgeries, I suggest this to be the last resort.
Antidepressants won't get you addicted, it just helps with the chemical imbalance and with proper usage it will help your relative by alot!
Oh and there's lots of different antidepressants too, definitely need to see which one works better for him/her!

[dizzybolt]

No. Transcendental Meditation is a discredited practice if it is the same.

I have done meditation for years and it has done wonders for me. Many things work if you want them to. I dont practice TM but there is research on it that validates it.
Depression is a blanket disease so there are many treatments that work for people and those same treatments may not work on others.
I have friends that started running and got out of their depression. Others talk with therapist, others meditate, others medication. Just because one thing doesnt support your views doesnt mean it cant help others.

[dizzybolt]

Hi, one of my relative was hit by depression.

Any idea of the kind of treatment available?

Any treatment option with drugs excluded?

Thanks

I have a friend that has a PhD in Psychotherapy, PM me if you want her contact, shes been practicing in Singapore for 10 years. I also know of a meditation center that can be a replacement to medication. Its free and not tied to any religion so you dont have anything to lose.