Don't be depressed!

Into our lives some rain must fall — young or old, rich or poor, male or female. Grief is the great equalizer; not even wealth can spare you from emotional wounds. Or buy you happiness.

“Depression is a condition that knows no social class; it could strike anyone regardless of intelligence, educational attainment and financial standing,” says designer Jeannie Goulbourn, whose youngest daughter Natasha suffered from depression before her untimely death in 2003. Instead of burrowing herself in the tunnel of depression that followed her beloved Tasha’s death, Jeannie decided to help others in the same tunnel see the light. With a group of friends, she set up the Natasha Goulbourn Foundation (NGF) on May 23, 2007 in memory of Tasha.

The NGF aims to “promote an enhanced and better understanding of depression through purposive advocacy, information, education and communication for people suffering from depression and people at risk of depression.”

The NGF wants to demystify depression and “debunk the stigma brought about by myths and misinformation.”

“These personal issues, particularly stigma, have cloaked depression in myths and mystery, which drive those suffering from depression to darkness and prolonged suffering and extreme cases, to suicide.”

Depression is a very depressing topic, but it is one that cannot be swept under the rug or behind a cloak of denial.

During a forum sponsored by the NGF last Sept. 1 at the New World Hotel, the following came to light:

*According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the Philippines has the highest incidence of depression in Southeast Asia. A 2004 study showed that there were 4.5 million cases of depression in our fiesta-loving country. Of 90 people with clinical depression, only 30 will seek help.

*Depression is a treatable disorder. According to the WHO, there are prescribed drugs available even in developing countries that are effective and affordable.

*In most cases, depression lasts for a limited period. Adequate treatment leads to complete resolution of the symptoms and the person can return to a normal state of activity.

*Suicide is a major risk during the course of depression. The individual usually “gives an indication of his suicidal intention before attempting suicide, and this must be taken very seriously.”

According to the NGF, symptoms of depression include:

*Persistent sad, anxious or “empty” mood.

*Sleeping too much or too little.

*Waking up in the middle of the night or early morning.

*Reduced appetite.

*Loss of pleasure and interest in activities once enjoyed, including sex.

*Loss of energy.

*Feeling guilty.

*Thoughts of suicide or death.

* * *

What can be done if you’re feeling depressed?

Jeannie advises that you seek professional help. She also recommends following a well-balanced diet, engage in exercise (I know exercise releases the so called “happy hormones.” Indulge in relaxation techniques and then ask your doctor about medication. The foundation may be contacted through the following numbers 897-22-17, 505-9045 or through the following hotlines: 734-9663/734-9664/734-8902/734-8903.

During the forum, former Miss International Aurora Pijuan and her son TJ Manotoc shared their own experience with depression. TJ confided that when he was about 16, he had anxiety attacks and could not sleep for up to four days on end. One day, while his mother was in a room meditating and he wanted to speak to her immediately, he all but broke down the door just to get in.

Aurora chose the non-traditional path to treat TJ’s depression and refused to give him medication. She got him into meditation and relaxation techniques.

“In fact, I think a hug is the best cure for depression,” Aurora says. TJ says that what and who he is today is due to his mother, who saved him during those critical years from going over the edge — largely by just being there for him.

Kuh Ledesma, for her part, whose daughter Isabella Gonzales also once suffered from depression, says turning to Jesus Christ is the best pain reliever of all.

* * *

Have I been depressed in my life? I have been sad, very sad with my miscarriage in 1992 and the death of my dad in July this year. But thankfully, my sadness has not been prolonged. I seize happiness whenever I see it — in quiet prayer to the Almighty, in a loved one’s attention, in a word of praise about my work, in a funny memory, in a gentle sunrise.

At the end of the day, just do the math. The blessings column will always outweigh the problems column. And on the days that the problems seem to outweigh the blessings, just think, as little Orphan Annie did: There’s always tomorrow. The balance will always shift, especially if you let it shift in your favor.

Smile!

* * *

Sept. 10, Friday is World Suicide Prevention Day. Join the Walk & Light for Hope at Liwasang Aurora, Quezon Memorial Circle, 5 p.m. assembly, 6 p.m. candle light walk, short program till 8 p.m. Sponsored by the Natasha Goulbourn Foundation in partnership with the Department of Health and the city of Quezon City.

* * *

(You may e-mail me at j[email protected])