my-story-of-depression

Story of Roy
No one would have thought that Roy, a cheerful 21 year boy would attempt suicide.

Roy was bright in studies, hard working, jovial guy. He had scored well in all his six semesters.

The incidence of suicide was hushed up.

How depression began?
Coping up with seventh semester studies was unusually difficult for Roy. Anxiety mounted. He dreaded his seventh semester exams. To his surprise he cleared it with flying colors. Eighth semester was grueling. Despite anxiety, he managed to attend all lectures and practicals; missed none. Roy did not appear for his 8th semester exams along with his classmates. His class of 2004 appeared for the 8th semester, then moved on to complete Inplant Training Program, submitted their thesis and as successful graduates they started getting jobs.
Changes that happen in depression
Roy is depressed and sitting at home for last six months. He did not leave home, became withdrawn, cocooned in his bedroom. As clouds of gloom engulfed Roy he appeared grim. He hardly spoke and people thought he was thinking too much.

He sat, mostly lied, on bed alone and when awake toyed with his mobile phone. He had stopped taking or making calls.

Roy has immense difficulty getting up before noon. When Mom howls he gets up for lunch.

How relatives treat depression
Dad coaxes Roy to get out of home. “Go meet your friends. You will feel better.”
His buddy Balan took him to a movie one evening and Roy stayed with Balan that night. The whole night two friends were chatting. Roy felt better.

Every well wisher was keen to pull him out of his blues.
Suggestions of people.

Different people suggested different remedies, things that had worked for themselves, for who has not gone through low phase some time or the other in life.

Roy’s uncle came from Coorg. He showed Roy the anulom vilom. This is pranayam, breathing exercise of Yoga. He attested, “I always feel fresh when I do breathing exercise. You know breathing has direct influence on mind and vice-versa. Do it just for 30 minutes in the morning.” Roy did not bother to tell him that there are no mornings in his life, for he wakes after noon. His girl friend always bubbling with excitement said, “Come lets do this short, part time course to learn German Language.”

Rohan sat with him overnight and told him several ways of earning on internet and have fun doing it.

Joy even invited him in his exclusive branded showroom at the mall. “Just sit here be with me. You will be a help. If you get bored, go watch a movie, there are five screens in this multiplex mall.”

If neighbors/relatives ask what to tell the neighbors if they ask

Relatives advice
Roy was told several times, “Keep your mind engaged”. Read books, join gymn. play cricket, do some course, go out, help

Social stigma a big challenge
When people asked mom’s tactful reply is “My son is busy. Now he is doing advanced studies.”

Gist of all suggestions
were based on “Empty mind is a devil’s workshop”. “Keep your mind engaged.”

What happened to Roy
Roy worsened. otherwise neat, He skipped his bath.

Why did Roy’s parents not go to correct place to ger
Going to Psychiatrist is like saying, “My son is ‘mad’”.
Important Question:
Would you prefer suicide or a treatment from qualified psychiatrists?

There is DEFINITE difference between what people understand by the word ‘depression’. [1] and therefore shower all sorts of advice except the most specific and definitive remedy – going to psychiatrist[2].

Medical Depression is Phoenix Disorder
It is important to know the difference between ‘depression’ as lay people understand and the ‘depression’ that can kill the patient, a serious major medical disorder, which has definite medical treatment that almost always brings 100% recovery, almost like miracle, hence labeled in my book as the “Phoenix disorder”.

[1]discouragement, despondency, dejection
[2]
clinical depression–noun
Psychiatry. a depression so severe as to be considered abnormal, either because of no obvious environmental causes, or because the reaction to unfortunate life circumstances is more intense or prolonged than would generally be expected.
Source:
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009