Take care of your mind

Dr Sayeda Ruksheda tells you why all mental illnesses need to be treated at the earliest

Around 2,50,000 people commit suicide every year in India. Ninety per cent of them suffers from a mental illness. Suicide is the number one cause of death in our young (age between 14-35 years). There are indications that for each death by suicide, there are 20 others who have attempted it. In India, suicide is perceived as a social and economic problem but it is multifactorial, with different triggers in different individuals, impacting the same biological pathways and respond to the same treatment. Depression and suicide are genetic and neurochemical disorders.

Most people who are diagnosed with such a disorder have other family members suffering from a psychiatric illness.

MRI scans of the brain of such people reveal changes in the structure and functioning of the brain.

Dysregulation of neurotransmitter complexes of serotonin, norepinephrine (and others) have been identified as causal factors.

It may manifest due to a socio-economic stressful environment.

In people with low coping resilience and less than adequate support system.

All mental health issues are medical conditions needing diagnosis and correct treatment.

WARNING SIGNS

• Change in sleep or food patters
• Irritability, anxiety and mood swings
• Withdrawing from social activities and wanting to be alone
• Feeling trapped or hopeless and not being to find solutions
• Self-destructive activities like speeding or taking drugs and alcohol
• Voicing thoughts like ‘I wish I were dead’ and ‘I wish I hadn’t been born’

AT RISK

• Going through a stressful situation, acute or long-standing at home and work
• Has had a recent loss of a loved one or a pet
• Has a psychiatric illness
• Have a family history of mental illnesses

WHAT TO SAY

• You are not alone
• You are important to me
• You are not going crazy
• I’m here for you
• What do you think will help
• How can I make it easy for you

What not to say

• You don’t have anything to crib about
• Your life is good, stop feeling sorry for yourself
• Snap out of it, stop thinking about it
• All you need is to have some fun

Nine out of 10 people suffering from a mental health disorder don’t get help and treatment. Community engagement in suicide prevention is essential. We all need to be aware, look at ourselves, look around us for those who might be vulnerable. Make it easy for people to talk about it. Anyone having suicidal thoughts needs to seek professional help. Reach out to your school counselor, or HR at office, or the family physician they can help getting you the treatment you need. A qualified mental health professional can be a psychologist, a counselor or a psychiatrist.

TREATMENT

• Anti-depressants, anti-anxiolytics, mood stabilisers, vitamins and supplements etc
• Medications for disorders like anemia, thyroid abnormalities, PCOD, diabetes etc
• Psychotherapies like crisis intervention, supportive therapy, psycho-education
• Positive life style management to have a regular routine, proper diet, exercise and learning new skills
• Social and occupational support