MANILA, Philippines - Not everybody is jumping up and down for joy at Christmastime. OFWs (overseas Filipino workers), especially those separated from their loved ones for the first time, feel oh-so-lonely, sometimes to the point of depression.
People whose families have abandoned them feel down and out in this supposed season of cheer.
They can’t join normal Christmas festivities, like the noche buena, simbang gabi, caroling, media noche, and others.
They are suffering from major depression. Unlike normal sadness, which is temporary and does not interfere with daily routines, major depression is a lingering heavy mood. It cannot be shrugged off and disturbs the course of living.
Major depression is characterized by a set of symptoms which includes the following: lingering sadness or irritability, loss of motivation and zest for living, a pessimistic or worrisome attitude, changes in sleep pattern, changes in appetite, changes in one’s energy level, poor self-confidence, poor concentration and forgetfulness, and thoughts of death or of suicide.
It can be caused by an imbalance in the brain chemical known as serotonin. This serotonin imbalance can be triggered by situations that cause physical, emotional, or mental stress. It can also be triggered by hormonal imbalances in the body, medical problems, certain medicines, and psychoactive substances such as alcohol and marijuana. The tendency for major depression can also be genetically transmitted.
Someone suffering from major depression needs help, badly. If left untreated, people with major depression can develop anxiety symptoms, sexual dysfunction, psychosomatic complaints, and hallucinatory symptoms. Worst, they can be suicidal and can act on their death wish.
The good news is, major depression is easily treated. With the right medication and dosage, most depressed people will feel better in two to three weeks. Those who are depressed from situation problems and emotional hurts will benefit from life coaching and psychotherapy sessions. Depressed people will also benefit from holistic-wellness therapies like psychiatric acupuncture, cranio-sacral therapy (a form of relaxing touch therapy), hypnotherapy, and meditation techniques.
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(The author is a leading specialist in treating major depression and other life problems. He is the only psychiatrist in the Philippines who is also a life coach, clinical psychologist, and osteopath. He can be contacted at 415-6529 415-7964 or through randydellosa.com.)