Depression is a mental health disease that is growing all over the world on a very large scale. And Pakistan is also included in those countries where 70% of people, especially youngsters are facing anxiety and depression issues. This ratio is increasing in Pakistan as people are stigmatized in these conditions. Different people have a fear of judgment from their friends, community, and even their families that’s why they prefer silence. They do not get the right option to treat this condition. This is the lack of awareness about depression treatments in Pakistan but it is important to take proper treatment if you want to manage and overcome depression. So let’s discuss all those ways through which you can better treat the depression condition in Pakistan.
Depression in Pakistan
Depression is a type of mental health disorder in which people have consistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and loss of interest in their work. In Pakistan people do not consider it a disease instead it is a stigma for them. People need to think that it is a disease and simply treat it like other diseases. But limited resources, misconceptions, and lack of awareness are all factors that are barriers to getting proper depression treatment in Pakistan. However, it is also equally important to understand the symptoms and other facts about it.
Symptoms of Depression
- Consistent worry or a bad mood
- Loss of interest in hobbies or activities
- Low energy and fatigue
- Lack of ability to focus or make decisions
- Changes in eating habits or sleep habits
- Feelings of excessive guilt or worthlessness
- Suicidal or self-harming thoughts
Effective Therapies for Depression
Different therapy options are available that provide the best way to handle the situation of depression. In this condition, people need mental support with some medications.
Psychotherapy (Talk Therapy)
Psychotherapy is considered the best depression treatment and a secure way to examine feelings and create coping strategies. Common types of psychotherapy include:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
The goal of cognitive behavioral therapy is to find those negative and harmful thinking processes that cause depression and change this thinking into positivity. This therapy has proved to be successful in symptom reduction and most of the healthcare providers in Pakistan provide and recommend this therapy.
Interpersonal Therapy (IPT)
One main reason for depression can be relationship issues. So these relationship conflicts and personal issues that can lead to depression are addressed by interpersonal therapy or IPT. This method works especially well in societies where social and familial relationships are important for mental health.
Treatments Based on Mindfulness
Mindfulness exercises like meditation and relaxation techniques help people reduce stress, stay in the present moment, and reduce depressive symptoms.
Medication
If the stages of depression cannot be handled through therapies then different medicines are also prescribed by psychiatrists to balance brain chemicals and improve mood. Common classes of antidepressants include:
- Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs): These are best for the first line of depression like fluoxetine, sertraline.
- Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs): These act as a neurotransmitter in mood regulation like venlafaxine and duloxetine.
- Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs): When both SSRIs and SNRIs cannot provide relief then this medicine is prescribed like amitriptyline.
Remember that all antidepressants also have side effects so always consult a qualified psychiatrist for taking any medicines.
Lifestyle Changes
Never rely only on therapies or medication because lifestyle changes are also a great treatment for depression. These include:
- Frequent Exercise: Exercise helps in stabilizing mood and increasing endorphins.
- Balanced Diet: A nutritious diet that is high in vitamins, minerals, and omega-3 fatty acids can help to maintain brain function.
- Proper Sleep: Having a regular sleep pattern also helps with emotional regulation.
- Stress management: Some breathing exercises and yoga are effective ways to lower stress levels.
Where to Seek Help in Pakistan
In Pakistan, there are very limited mental health resources available and in this condition, it’s also a great challenge for patients to find the mental health professionals and the one to whom they feel comfortable. But different organizations in Pakistan are working to provide the patient’s best mental health treatment like the Recovery House, Rozan, and BasicNeeds Pakistan provide counseling services and community-based programs for mental health support. Different government hospitals have psychiatric wards in which they provide affordable care like the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) in Islamabad and Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC) in Karachi.
Telehealth services are the greatest mental health treatment that I would recommend. Different online platforms in Pakistan are available that provide online psychological help to people who want an affordable and reliable option. This is especially good for people who live in rural areas or those who find it difficult to take on-session therapies. These platforms have licensed psychologists and psychiatrists who provide the best mental health treatments.
Conclusion
Your life can be at greater risk if you do not receive timely and right treatment for depression. Therefore, don’t be hesitant to get therapy for depression because early intervention is essential as well. In Pakistan, there are multiple clinics, organizations, and online platforms for treating depression.
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