Sabrina
WHY
SO DOWNCAST, MY SOUL,
WHY DO YOU SIGH WITHIN ME?
Psalms 42:5 & I I
In the past, people were
believed to be "possessed」 by demons and devils if they got the disease
of " depression." At times, they were 'prayed over' and at other times
they were flogged with chains to "drive out the devils" for their
psychiatric disorders and their weird symptoms. In the 21st century, is
our treatment of depression getting more humane?
Many medical 「advances」
have been made in the 20th century. Electroshock therapy has
been available since 1938; the 「breakthrough」 of medication in 1956 was
found by accident. In the more recent years, various medicines, such as
SSRIS and Prosaic for use against depression, have indeed triggered a
revolution in clinical researches. It is only natural to assume that
the number of patients who are suffering from depression should be
decreased by the advanced technology in the medical world. But
unfortunately, the situation is getting worse and worse.
According to a research by the World Health Organization, Dr. Joseph
Martins claims that the prevalence of hypochondria in modern society is
increasing dramatically. There are one million people suffering from it
or have suffered it in Taiwan alone. The same population in America
increased from five million to eight million just in 1997. Although new
drugs and therapies are used more often, the situation still gets worse
because of the increasing stress produced in the twenty-first century.
Therefore, it seems that only dependence on the medical solution
is not enough. Let us see what else we can do besides taking 「prosaic」.
First, we should acknowledge the real problems we have. It sounds easy
but it is really hard to realize this point. Still, we need try to
become a good self-observer and then we may identify the problems before
they weigh on us and bring upon depression.
Second, after having discovered the question, you need to learn to 「LET
GO」 of the depression before it begins to get you down. The key to
eliminating a full depressive episode is to let go all the displeasing
stuff no matter how important it is. Actually, there is no other thing
more important than your mental health.
Third, after letting go your bad mood, try to develop a good habit to
turn your cloudy mood into a sunshine mood. Exercise or building
intimate relationships with your dear friends and family may be the best
way to release your stress and anxiety. A hug from your loved ones will
definitely make you feel better.
Fourth, if you are taking medicine, you should still try the 「talking
cure.」 The face to face therapy will help reduce your disorders though
the therapy sessions are more expensive than taking the pills. In order
to become healthy emotionally, each individual must realize under which
mental state he/she functions best. When the mental 「rock」 appears, you
must treat yourselves in the best way to get away from depression.
Compared with the past, we are really fortunate to benefit from all the
revolutions in advanced medical discovery. However, a constructive life
is the best therapy for your real health. Last, but not least, prosaic
is not a heal-all, at all!
P.S.
The information and the rate are from the WHO website.