It is a serious subject and those suffering from mental health problems go through an extremely difficult time.
NIDDERAU, GERMANY: The subject of depression has been described very well in the report “The great ‘depression’” (October 10). It was also well-written, although the subject was handled in a light-hearted manner. It is a serious subject and those suffering from depression and other mental health problems go through an extremely difficult time. Yes, mental health problems are more common than many like to believe. They result from a complex interaction of biological, social and psychological factors but are still usually discussed in medical terms. Most mental health symptoms have traditionally been divided into groups called either ‘neurotic’ or ‘psychotic’ symptoms. ‘Neurotic’ covers those symptoms which can be regarded as severe forms of ‘normal’ emotional experiences such as depression, anxiety or panic. Conditions formerly referred to as “neuroses” are now more frequently called “common mental health problems.”
Less common are ‘psychotic’ symptoms, which interfere with a person’s perception of reality, and may include hallucinations. Some mental health problems feature both neurotic and psychotic symptoms. In my view, little research has been done to cure the cause of depression. Those suffering are hardly ever taken seriously in society and often even close relatives avoid any contact with them. Due to loneliness, their symptoms become more acute and they may end up in clinics, given a regular dose of drugs, which usually does not help. People need to be made more aware of the different forms of depression so that we can reach out and help those who are suffering from such illnesses.
Sharif Lone
Published in The Express Tribune, October 12th, 2010.
