The best of us fall too!
There is one more myth that we had not previously covered that was intentionally left out for this section. “If you are poor, you are always depressed, and if you are rich and famous, you are famous with a heavy bank balance, what problems could you have?” As much as people would like to buy into this myth, history, literature and show-business have proved them wrong over and over again. Let’s touch upon a few examples.
This is one of the most recent and tragic examples of highly successful
celebrities taking their lives due to depression. Chester, the lead singer of
the record-breaking rock band, Linkin Park, recently took his own life. The
incident became well publicized on and off social media. Millions of people
were paying their respects and tributes to their fallen rock idol. What most of
the world failed to see or understand was the back story of the rock star.
1. Chester Bennington
Chester fought depression and constant drug abuse that lead up to his demise.
2. KurtCobain
Sticking to the theme of rock, here is yet another revolutionary from the rock world that tragically took his own life. The reason – he lost the battle with his inner demons and depression. Many would claim that they saw this coming with the kind of music his band, Nirvana, was producing. The lyrics and the music of the songs Kurt wrote mostly revolved around the battle with demons, both inner and external, like society, politics etc. Imagine what the world of rock and roll would be like if Kurt had only reached out for help.
3. Robin Williams
He is the legend who filled our hearts with joy in his lifetime and left the same audience with disbelief and tears. The Oscar winning actor and comedian’s suicide was a shock to many people who knew little about his private life. It was not generally known that he suffered from manic depression all through his life and it was believed to have stemmed from bi-polar disorder. Who would have guess?
While there are a lot more people who are famous and who have suffered from depression, here are a few more names that left a mark during their lifetimes and also a warning on what depression can do to you, irrespective of who you are! – Alexander McQueen, Ernest Hemingway, Hunter S. Thompson, Heath Ledger, Chris Benoit, etc.
As you can clearly see, depression isn’t about where you come from or what kind of background you have. It’s not about being rich or poor. It’s about becoming victim to a disease that is serious and that needs treatment.
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Am I depressed?
Depression is a sneaky illness that can hit you without you having a clue
until it’s already too late. Fortunately, there are multiple ways to cure
depression through medication, therapy and lifestyle
changes. There are various types of anti-depressants that the doctor can choose to prescribe. Be sure you talk to your doctor or pharmacist about the possible side effects if you are concerned about them.
Some of the popular medications include:
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) – Doctors
usually begin medication with a prescription for a SSRI. These are
considered comparatively safe, and they are prone to cause fewer side effects when compared to other medications.
Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) – SNRIs are used to treat major depression. These are also used to treat anxiety, OCD, ADHD and also chronic neuropathic pain.
Atypical antidepressants – These are also used to treat smoking cessation. These are commonly used with patients who have little or inadequate response to the ‘first line treatment.’
Tricyclic antidepressants – One of the most effective kinds of medication there is in this day and age. However, the intensity and frequency of this medication causing side effects are exponentially high when compared to the other medications. These are not prescribed until other antidepressants have been tried and have not shown any improvement.
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors
(MAOI) – The usage of MAOIs demands a very strict and controlled diet. If
patients come in contact with food like wine, cheese and pickles the side
effects can be fatal as well. Due to its nature of reacting with other
substances and medication in our body, doctors never prescribe a SSRI and a
MAOI together.
Depression is best treated when there are multiple modes of regulated treatments available. Your doctor might prescribe you to some brain stimulation therapies. The most common ones are ECT and TMS.
ECT or Electroconvulsive therapy – To impact the function of the neurotransmitters, mild electrical currents are passed through the brain. ECT is prescribed to those who do not react well with medications and those who are a potential suicidal risk.
TMS or Transcranial magnetic stimulation – Unlike ECT, TMS uses magnetic waves. These waves are passed through a treatment coil that is placed pressed against the scalp. Magnetic pulses stimulate the nerve cells that are responsible for mood regulation and depression.
Some of the kinds of therapy that can be suggested by your doctor are – Acupuncture, Music therapy, Art therapy, Guided imagery, Yoga and aerobic exercises.
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