Life after Depression

Life after Depression

Dr. Nand Kumar, AIIMS, an expert on Psychological Disorders, talks about post depression sustainability, based on years of experience in his practice of psychiatry. 
 

A lot many times when people have depression, they don’t have it a second time as they get treated by medication, lifestyle changes, and therapy. However, even though depression is more likely to be cured, sometimes the chances of having depression can happen again.
 

According to Dr. Kumar, it happens very often that the patient recovers and the doctor terminates the medications once there are no symptoms in a year and a half, after which the patients are usually fine for one to two - three years. If the odds don’t turn out in one’s favour and the symptoms surface again, the person should visit a doctor again immediately within four weeks. Self medication is a red flag, adds Dr. Kumar, and in case of unavailability of the doctor, he advises a change in lifestyle. For example, if there’s sleeplessness, the quality of sleep should be changed, or if the person has stopped meeting people for some reason, then one should start socializing again. 

Dr. Kumar reiterates the significance of ‘integration’ in the aspects of causal factors, treatment and post depression care or sustainability of depression, along with busting innumerable myths or misconceptions associated with the disorder.