Yvonnie Bailey- Davidson
Dear Counsellor,
I am 45 years old and I have been diagnosed with depression. I feel tired, lethargic and suicidal at times. I am really having a hard time coping with my illness.
- Sarah
Dear Sarah:
Depression is a common condition just like hypertension and diabetes mellitus. When we are depressed, we usually feel tired and lack energy. Sometimes there are physical symptoms such as headaches and backaches.
Many people get depressed because of environmental factors, and some people suffer losses like death of a loved one or loss of self-esteem.
Depression is treated with medications and cognitive behavioural therapy. The medications are many and the doctor will prescribe one to suit your symptoms. Cognitive therapy is therapy in which the therapist tries to identify negative thought patterns. Sometimes we overgeneralise or have catastrophic thoughts. We need to look at our lives and identify good things that have happened in our lives. Optimism and positive behaviours go a long way to relieve the depression.
Spirituality is very important. We need to look at our purposes in life and ask God to help us make achievable goals and accomplish our varied tasks. Praying is to be encouraged and you should ask your partner and/or church brethren to pray for you. We all need support.
Suicide is not an option and you should enter into a contract with yourself and your therapist in which you give a commitment and promise not to kill yourself.
Whenever you are having suicidal thoughts, you should call a friend and discuss your thoughts and feelings. In your therapy sessions, you should discuss the various triggers for the suicidal thinking. Thinking about the positive things in life and God's love for you will help you to feel better. The television has programmes that deal with life issues from a spiritual background. These programmes are very enlightening and encouraging for people who are feeling depressed.
Contact Dr. Yvonnie Bailey-Davidson at 978-8602, 791-1778
or email yvonniebd@hotmail.com.
