When we hear someone mention the word depression, people often miss understand what it actually is. Let us discuss this further together with Dr. Dr. Songsaeng Karnchanavisitphol (MD), Master's Degree in German Traditional Medicine and a Physician with simultaneous experience in Integrative Medicine and Anti-Aging Medicine

According to Dr. Songsaeng, depression is a psychiatric disorder caused by persistent emotional downturn and symptoms qualify for a diagnosis. There are different stages and different types of depressions and they are psychological depression, natural depression and short-term natural sorrow from events that have occurred in life. In some cases, sufferers many not be aware of his or her condition. However, there are people who are aware that they are suffering from depression.

Some of the common signs and symptoms of depression are as follows:

• depression

• easy crying 

• poor concentration 

• feeling sad

• discouraged

• feeling bored

• lack luster

• lack of encouragement

• separation from society 

• despair in life

• feeling worthless, 

• suicidal thoughts of wanting to die

• thoughts of hurting one’s self 

Reasons for depression

1. Certain medications or physical diseases with chronic conditions such as thyroid, diabetes, high blood pressure, chronic pain, Parkinson's, which require long-term treatment.

2. The phycological factors that may have an emotional causative effect such as events in life, family death, breakups or fear of epidemic for example, there is an outbreak of COVID-19 worldwide.

Many families may experience a member suffering from depression and actually want to bring to seek proper help. However, sufferers themselves may be reluctant. In cases like this, a person closest to the sufferer should be the one advocating the treatment and take the step into the healing journey which is listening. This is a gradual process and once the sufferer is comfortable, he or she will open up about the problem. Once the trust and comfort level has been attained, it will then be easier to talk and urge sufferers to carry out beneficial activities such as meditation, exercises (body and mind) and gradually directing them to seek medical treatment.

For treatment through integrative medicine, the treating doctor will start with a full consultation session which involves patient history and formulated questions in order to better understand patient’s status. The treating doctor will provide a holistic treatment plan which consist of mental therapy sessions (phycological, health and lifestyle) and treatment through medicaments such as anti-depressants. Do note that every patient’s condition varies and therefore, treatment pathways and plan will be in accordance to the assessment made during the initial session. However, reassessment will be made periodically in order to titrate treatment and medicaments. 

In conclusion, depression is a mental health issue that can be fixed. Therefore, do not procrastinate with regards to seeking help.  Family and caregivers can play a very important role in this process. Their support, encouragement, empathy and understanding can go a long way in helping sufferers overcome any form of negative experience or emotion. This in turn can accelerate a sufferer’s healing process and gradually immerse into a happier way of life.

By: Dr. Songsaeng Karnchanavisitphol (MD)

• Master of German Traditional Medicine 

• Integrative medicine and Anti-aging medicine Specialist