Depression: When should we seek help?

Estimated reading time: 6 minutes

We should be fair to our mind like we are to our body; we should acknowledge mental illness just like physical aches and pains,  and visit a therapist or a psychiatrist even if we have a small feeling that we aren’t mentally fine, says Dr. Gaurav Kulkarni.

The Mumbai-based psychiatrist says the day people are able to be at ease with talking about mental health, it will create a revolution in fighting mental illness.

Research says that globally more than 70% of people suffering from mental illness don’t receive treatment from health care staff. An important factor that leads to a delay in presentation and treatment is lack of knowledge and awareness as well as prejudice against those suffering.

In this part of our series on depression, Dr. Kulkarni talks about fighting stigma and making good decisions about our mental well being. Edited excerpts:

When should someone seek professional help for depression and who should they go to?

There are few people who are immediately able to take a call and visit a therapist or a psychiatrist. I would say that it is important to be as fair with our mind like we are with our body. Most people are unable to tolerate a small pimple on their face, or a cough, or body pain, we rush to the GP for all these physical pains, aches, and ailments; we show so much of proactiveness for our physical health issues. So, why should we ignore mental health issues? The brain is a part of the same body that we love so much and if the brain is not doing fine, we should take proactive action as well.

If I realise that I’m just crying often for no reason, there is no harm in going and consulting someone. The day we are able to create that ease within us to visit a therapist or a psychiatrist even if we have a small feeling of not being mentally fine, I think that day we will be able to bring a big revolution in mental health.

If I realise that I’m just crying often for no reason, there is no harm in going and consulting someone. The day we are able to create that ease within us to visit a therapist or a psychiatrist even if we have a small feeling of not being mentally fine, I think that day we will be able to bring a big revolution in mental health.

In case of depression, it is important to take into account any of the physical, emotional, cognitive, and behavioural symptoms and seek help if we are experiencing them. Some of the important symptoms are: low mood or sadness that lasts for at least about two weeks. negative or pessimistic thoughts about oneself, others, and the world. Feelings of helplessness, hopelessness, worthlessness, and a sense of failure. Biological functions are significantly affected by depression as well, people may feel a loss in physical energy, mental exhaustion, fatigue, and exertion.

(Read more about depression and its symptoms here.)

What should we do if we notice depressive symptoms in a friend, colleague, or a family member?

A lot of our patients are not able to identify what they are experiencing themselves. There is no awareness about mental health. If we have a small pain in the chest, we all know that the heart is there and we are immediately worried that something could happen to it. We are all aware of that feeling because we have heard so much about it.

In terms of mental health, people take very long to understand that their mood swings could be from depression. For every individual it’s important to be more aware of the general mental health issues.

When it comes to family members or friends, there are certain tips that everyone should follow. First, we should make sure that our availability for that person is a little more than what it was earlier.

Second, try to strengthen a rapport with the person, so they feel a little free and expressive with you and are able to ventilate their emotions.  This will help you understand if it is just regular sadness or is there anything more that is running in the person’s mind. Third, pick up on suicidal thoughts, which people are very hesitant to talk about. When you are giving the other person an easy platform and a non-judgmental approach, it helps them ventilate. That may help us reach up to that individual. Fourth, do not pester that person about finding a doctor immediately. Try to patiently convince the person to at least once see a mental health professional. At that time, don’t worry who the professional is, whether it’s a psychiatrist, a psychologist, a therapist or a counsellor, just see somebody for sure. The professional can decide what is the kind of mental health intervention the person needs. Sometimes we tend to waste a lot of time negotiating the kind of professional we need to see. It is important to just initiate the process.

Don’t worry who the professional is, whether it’s a psychiatrist, a psychologist, a therapist or a counsellor, just see somebody for sure. The professional can decide what is the kind of mental health intervention the person needs. Sometimes we tend to waste a lot of time negotiating the kind of professional we need to see. It is important to just initiate the process.

How can people grapple with the stigma around mental health? It is an important cause for people  not seeking help. What’s your advice to people who are unable to make a call regarding their mental health purely because of stigma?

The first thing that we tell people to do is to try to identify whether they have a mental health issue. The day you realise it is affecting the quality of your life, you will want to take a step to fix it. If we keep worrying about what people will feel, that they will be judgemental, we will create a hurdle to having a better quality of life ourselves.

We have to make sure that every step that we take is for our betterment, our enhancement. Stigma is a social issue, do not let a social issue come in the way of a better life, don’t let it be a barrier for improving your quality of life. If you feel you’re not fine, you go ahead and address it, we will help you with how to fight the social issues, we will help you with how not to feel judged or embarrassed, or awkward about your mental health.

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