Around GMA

Article Inside Page

We've all been there: a little (or a lot) in the dumps with nothing specific to pin it on.

However, there's a major difference between feeling a little down and depression, and dealing with the latter is tough, whether it's your own or someone else's.

So how do you know if what you're feeling is more serious than a case of the sads?

Read on to learn how to spot the signs and find the help you need to feel a little bit better with The Healthy Juan.

Facing the facts

According to the Department of Health (DOH), there are about more than three million Filipinos suffering from depression, the majority are women -- and most of them don't get the help they need.

One in four women, according to studies, will probably experience a major episode of depression at some point in her life and the most common are among those without close relationships, separated and divorced.

The good news? With the right kind of help, people can get better and they are able to learn skills and strategies to cope with depression so if it shows up again, they know how to handle it.

Luckily, being able to identify the symptoms is as easy as one-two-three. Here's how to start…

Symptoms of depression

According to psychiatrist Dr. Kathryn Natalie Tan, depression is a mood disorder and people who suffer from it feel persistently sad --- it affects how you think, feel, behave, and express yourself.

She said, “Well, first of all, classified ito as a psychiatric illness.

“Affected 'yung mind natin at ano ang nako-control ng mind? Lahat ng aspeto ng buhay natin. Lahat ng paniniwala, naririnig natin, at paggalaw natin.”

While symptoms of depression can differ among gender and age range, it is important to notice the changes in the overall aspect of a person's life whether it's appetite, weight, mood, sleeping patterns, and energy, along with dependence on substances like alcohol or drugs.

Keeping tabs of the differences and acknowledging these symptoms are the crucial steps to treatment.

“You're human, e. Hindi ka naman excused from having feelings, from having emotions,” Dr. Tan mentioned.

“Hindi naman porket celebrity ka, politician ka, or billionaire ka, you're excused from having a reaction to a situation.”

Treating depression

According to Dr. Ma. Rosario Vergeire, the Assistant Secretary of Health of DOH, the best thing you can do when someone is showing signs of depression is to start by asking open-ended questions like, “Can I do something to help you out?”

She said, “Maraming tao ngayon ang hindi pa rin lumalapit para magpatingin kasi iniisip nila pagtatawanan sila, lalayuan sila ng kaibigan nila, o pandidirian sila ng tao o katatakutan.”

Your role as a friend or a family member is not to have all the answers but to be the support and listening ear they need to help combat the problem.

Dr. Tan seconded the idea and said, “Recurrent kasi 'yung iniisip nila na 'I'm not worthy,' 'I'm hopeless,' 'pampabigat ako sa family ko,' or 'ako ang sanhi ng problema nila.' Maraming nagsasabi na it's a selfish way of thinking, pero when you look at it, ito ay symptoms beyond their control.

“So try natin umiwas sa medyo judgmental na comments. Keep an open mind na 'di lahat ng bagay you would understand.

“Perhaps, kailangan lang nila lumapit sa isang psychiatrist. But at the end of the day, lahat tayo, whether mentally ill or not, all of us want love and affirmation.”

That's why it's so important to reach out if you're dealing with your own issues. Choose the person you know will be supportive, but also objective, and start by admitting you think something is wrong and share how you've been feeling.

Along with that, don't forget to share the love within yourself.

As advised by Dr. Tan, “Importante rin ang self-improvement at lagi mong isipin na hindi mo naman kailangan i-please ang lahat ng tao. So, sana invest in yourself.

“Para kahit ano'ng mangyari satisfied ka sa sarili mo.”

Have you experienced depression or know a friend who has? You may try calling the numbers below for a judgment-free therapy:

Hopeline - Department of Health
(02) 8989-4673
(0917) 558-4673

Crisis Line - In-Touch Philippines
(02) 8893-7603
(0917) 800-1123
(0922) 893-8944

Manila Lifeline Center
(02) 896-9191
(0917) 854-9191

Watch this episode from The Healthy Juan below:

The Healthy Juan: The 4S strategy in preventing dengue fever

'The Healthy Juan's' guide to clean, healthy drinking water