It’s almost a norm to quote “You have Depression” to anyone who seems gloomy and down. Depression is very common these days. The reason why understanding it and recognizing it’s signs and symptoms is stressed often in media and by healthcare professionals as well. We all know telltale signs of depression like sadness, a dragging down feeling that worsens day by day. But depression also manifests itself in some unusual symptoms which are surprisingly quite common.
These can be one or more of the below mentioned problems:
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Sleeplessness
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Craving for sweets especially at night
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Aches and pains especially chest pain and muscle aches that would not go away
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Memory Lapses
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Lack of energy
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Fatigue
Now you must be thinking why these symptoms are given importance? It is because these complaints may mask the original underlying problem and delay an important diagnosis. In older adults, these signs are more common and because they often overlook their mental health diagnosis becomes a tug of war between doctor and patient. Because a patient with physical symptoms of pain would never appreciate being diverted to a psychologist.
A research report shows that depression is more prevalent in women as compared to men. Though the peak age for depression is from 45 to 64 years it is now becoming increasingly prevalent in teens and younger people too.
How Consulting a Psychologist can Help?
Our society still harbors the stigma related to mental illnesses we rarely will see someone discussing their depression. Consulting a psychologist here means you have gone crazy. Whereas like many other ailments depression is also a totally treatable problem. Psychologists are the healthcare professionals who can help you with this. A licensed psychologist is extensively trained in regard to mental health and has experience in helping people fight off depression. You can find the best psychologists in Lahore at Masood Hospital.
Most common approaches of psychotherapy for depression include:
1- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
2- Interpersonal Therapy
While there is no single “perfect” approach to treat depression, psychologists tend to work closely with their patients to create a customized treatment plan. If you happen to see that teenager binge eating or that “grumpy old man” next door do not judge them. They might be actually depressed. Help them with their struggle against depression.
But most of all, we all need to realize that seeing a psychologist for help should be taken lightly. Just as asking someone stronger to help you carry your heavy suitcase to your destination. Unless we can remove the stigmas attached to mental health issues in our society, we wouldn’t be able to enjoy happier and healthier lives.