PRESS RELEASE
Depression is a psychological condition marked by
prolonged periods of lethargy, sadness, anxiety, and hopelessness, which often
manifest in loss of appetite, fatigue, insomnia, excessive sleeping, and
suicidal ideation.
As of 2012, the World Health Organization announced
that more than 350 million people from all over the world are suffering from
depression. Sadly, many have very little understanding of the disease, which
does not help in curbing its prevalence.
MediCard, a leading HMO in the Philippines, hopes to
dispel several myths about depression, in the hopes of creating a more positive
and helpful environment for people who are suffering from the condition.
Depression is nothing
but “the blues.” Most people dismiss
other people’s symptoms with the classic “You’re just having a bad day” or
“Just shake it off,” and it certainly does not help. For one, it trivializes
depression, an actual illness caused by an imbalance of a person’s endorphins
and neurotransmitters. For another, such remarks prevent the person from
seeking professional help, until their emotions spiral downward even further.
Just pop some
pills and it will go away. Depression is a
complex psychological disorder that results from any number of causes, such as
abuse, loss of a loved one, family history, or a serious illness. Seeking a
prescription from a doctor to allow you to “pop some antidepressants” only
addresses the biochemical aspect of depression. But an effective approach to
the condition considers all its facets, and may constitute non-medication-based
solutions, such as behavior therapy, or lifestyle change.
You can
self-diagnose and self-medicate. The
Internet has spawned a lot of self-tests with titles like “Are you depressed?
Take this 10-step quiz!” and online medical references that list down possible
treatments for different diseases. But effectively diagnosing depression
requires a comprehensive and objective examination by a professional. By doing
it yourself, you run the risk of misinterpreting your symptoms, and possibly make
it worse by delaying proper treatment.
Don’t talk about
it so it doesn’t get worse. Related to Myth
#3, many hesitate from talking about their symptoms of depression with other
people, in fear of stigma, but also of making it worse. Key to addressing the
condition, however, is a strong support system of family and friends, which
will not be available if those suffering from depression kept it to themselves.
To learn more about depression from the standpoint of a
medical professional, consult your doctor today, or visit www.medicardphils.com.
3 comments
I have a different health card but I agree with those debunked myths about depression. I was once depressed as well to the point that it affected my health. Glad I consulted a doctor. I was stressed way back in college due to culture shock. Fortunately, I didn't take pills. And lastly, glad I shared my depression to my mom as she's the one who accompanied me to the doctor. :)
ReplyDeletei was once been a victim of this, times wherein the world falls upon me.... i even remember living a note to my sister stating that soon i'll be gone forever, it's like killing myself...... so sad recounting those days..... it was hard, and it took me years to overcome it, thanks to my family and friends and co- employee ( before i used to be a cake decorator) who never stop comforting me back then.......all we need is love......and somebody who will always there ready to listen.....
ReplyDeletethank you for sharing this ms rochelle i learned from it i should fight depression for we only live once and we should live it to the fullest
ReplyDeleteComments? Questions? Suggestions?
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Thank you very much! Maraming Salamat! Arigatou gozaimasu!