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Good day Dr Good day Dr
My name is Alfred. I think I’m suffering from depression.
I really struggle to get up in the mornings. Life has lost
all of its meaning and it feels as if I have no purpose. I
have absolutely no motivation to go to work and I’m
really feeling hopeless. The worst part is that I can’t
talk to anyone about it, as they’ll think I’m crazy or even
dangerous. My name is Amu and I’m 32 years of age. I was recently
diagnosed with severe depression. My doctor has put me
on anti-depressants and they’re definitely helping. But I
was told that regular exercise could help me even more. Is
it true? And if so, where and how do I start?
Thank you
Spha
Thanks
Amu
Dear Alfred
First of all, know that you are not alone. Almost 300 million
people around the world battle with depression. It’s the most
common mental illness out there. The fact that you’ve written
to me, is already a step in the right direction. Hi Amu
I’m glad that you’re starting to feel better. Remember that once
your doctor develops a treatment plan for you (e.g. medication
and therapy), it’s important to follow it carefully, until it
becomes part of your daily routine. For example, if you have to
take your medication every morning after breakfast and visit
your therapist every Thursday, use a calendar to stay on track.
It is best to get medical help as soon as possible for a speedier
recovery and have better control of your health and life. I
suggest that you talk to your doctor about your mental health
concerns as he/she can give you the support and guidance you
need. Your doctor can direct you to a mental health specialist
for therapy, suggest lifestyle changes that can help you and
offer you medication, such as antidepressants, if appropriate. And yes it is true. Regular exercise can boost your mood and
have a positive impact if you have depression. Remember, it’s
important that you do exercises you enjoy, otherwise it will
be hard to motivate yourself to do it regularly. If you haven’t
exercised for a while, start slowly with something like a brisk
10-minute walk. I believe any exercise is better than none. Over
time you can gradually build up to about 150 minutes a week.
Interpersonal therapy with a professional is vital as a therapist
can support a patient and help them look at the world and
themselves more positively. Also try to keep a 'first aid' kit
with items that soothe you or build your self-esteem. For
example, your favourite snacks or music playlist and a list of
your achievements. Take the courageous step and talk to a
supportive friend, colleague you can trust or family member
whenever you’re struggling. The benefits of a modest amount of exercise have been proven.
It relieves stress, improves memory, helps you sleep better and
boosts your overall mood - thanks to the release of endorphins
(powerful chemicals in your brain that make you feel good).
It also serves as a distraction, allowing you to find some quiet
time to break out of the cycle of negative thoughts.
Disclaimer: The advice included above is for information purposes only. It is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor or medical practitioner. We strongly urge
you to consult with your family practitioner before embarking on a health treatment or programme. All information has been checked by a Bonitas Clinical Advisor.
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