Depression

[PakLFC]

What cause depression? Even many wealthy people have been diagnosed with it, often people end up taking their life over it. Some in my family have suffered in the past. What is the cure to it? I don't think it's caused by worry or feeling a lack of anything like money, love or appreciation. Could it be loneliness?

 

[AlphaFighter]

Sometimes it is just genetic. I can tell you from my experience, a series of frustrating experiences where people in live just keep letting you down again and again i.e. friends, family members and even parents, siblings where you reach the point where you realize that everyone on this planet is all about I, Me and Myself

 

[kingusama92]

To the surprise of many only 40% of depression cases involve genetics. The rest are environmental (i.e. abuse, drugs, jealousy, bullying).

The rich and poor are equally likely to face these concerns.

 

[The_KING]

It's genetic and also environmental. For example for many celebrities, depression could be due to fame. Constantly being in the spotlight does take it's toll. For others maybe loneliness or no motive in life.

 

[Bilal7]

A lack of spirituality and religion does as well.

 

[Pakistanian]

Frustrations, lack of purpose or not achieving your goals.

 

[aloo paratha]

Negative events in life. No cure as far as I know.

 

[Hamza_]

Studying has caused me hell alot of depression with exam related stress. So much that I had literally something panning hard in my brains. Other than that family issues, career and money related matters.

 

[DW44]

A lack of spirituality and religion does as well.

Any evidence of that? Some of the happiest nations on earth are those that have done away with religion.

 

[DW44]

Studying has caused me hell alot of depression with exam related stress. So much that I had literally something panning hard in my brains. Other than that family issues, career and money related matters.

That's not depression, that's just stress and migraines. Depression is a mental disorder with a very specific definition and what you're experiencing absolutely, unequivocally isn't depression.

 

[Jan Sher]

Any evidence of that? Some of the happiest nations on earth are those that have done away with religion.

How do you measure happiness?

 

[MenInG]

Clinical depression is a different ball-game. Not to be confused with a general low outlook on life

 

[DW44]

How do you measure happiness?

Carry out surveys and polls of large enough sample sizes of the population to get a general idea of how happy and/or satisfied people in general are with their lives. For more on the methodology and results, refer to these links:

http://worldhappiness.report/
http://edition.cnn.com/2016/03/16/travel/worlds-happiest-countries-united-nations/
http://www.forbes.com/pictures/mef45ejmi/the-worlds-happiest-and-saddest-countries-2/#30d9487755a3

 

[Hamza_]

That's not depression, that's just stress and migraines. Depression is a mental disorder with a very specific definition and what you're experiencing absolutely, unequivocally isn't depression.

You don't know how it feels like sitting all alone in a room day after day with books in front of you. Your head screwed up, It's a depressing stress and day by day you tend to feel it within your mind and heart, Many questions raising in your mind with lots and lots of other things and issues going around you.

 

[Jan Sher]

Any evidence of that? Some of the happiest nations on earth are those that have done away with religion.

Pickthall: Who have believed and whose hearts have rest in the remembrance of Allah. Verily in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find rest!

Quran, Verse (13:28)

 

[Jan Sher]

Carry out surveys and polls of large enough sample sizes of the population to get a general idea of how happy and/or satisfied people in general are with their lives. For more on the methodology and results, refer to these links:

http://worldhappiness.report/
http://edition.cnn.com/2016/03/16/travel/worlds-happiest-countries-united-nations/
http://www.forbes.com/pictures/mef45ejmi/the-worlds-happiest-and-saddest-countries-2/#30d9487755a3

Are these reports credible?

 

[DW44]

You don't know how it feels like sitting all alone in a room day after day with books in front of you. Your head screwed up, It's a depressing stress and day by day you tend to feel it within your mind and heart, Many questions raising in your mind with lots and lots of other things and issues going around you.

I do, actually and I also know for a fact that it's not depression the same way a cough is not lung cancer. Depression is a medical disorder that has very specific symptoms and can only be diagnosed and treated by a qualified mental health professional. There really is very little awareness here about what depression really is, every sheeda pistol who's going through a tough time and feeling low thinks he's suffering from depression which just isn't true. What you're experiencing is simply a poor state of mind due to a prolonged lack of human contact. I have some experience in this regard and I know how crushing it can be but it absolutely isn't depression.

 

[yasir]

I do, actually and I also know for a fact that it's not depression the same way a cough is not lung cancer. Depression is a medical disorder that has very specific symptoms and can only be diagnosed and treated by a qualified mental health professional. There really is very little awareness here about what depression really is, every sheeda pistol who's going through a tough time and feeling low thinks he's suffering from depression which just isn't true. What you're experiencing is simply a poor state of mind due to a prolonged lack of human contact. I have some experience in this regard and I know how crushing it can be but it absolutely isn't depression.

Part of the problem is overloading technical terms with cultural/social/literature terms. Clinical term depression is something pretty well defined and doctors understand it, but literature depression(which everybody uses in daily life) is more vague since literature is not meant to be technical in nature, more of ideas and thoughts

 

[MenInG]

Think being Mayoos = considered depressed!

 

[Hadi Rizvi]

Abu Huraira reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said, “The world is a prison for the believer and a paradise for the unbeliever.”
Source: Sahih Muslim 2956
Grade: Sahih (authentic) according to Imam Muslim.

I think this settles the debate for all Muslims who consider this hadeeth authentic.

I, personally, totally believe in this fact and maybe that is why I am able to endure hardships and bad times.

 

[Ellipsism]

A lack of spirituality and religion does as well.

I know many whom have gone succumbed to depression because of religion...

 

[KingKhanWC]

If we go by literal definition, do we really use heart for emotions or thinking?? - We now know heart is just a organic pump, it has nothing to do with thinking, although for 1000s of year we were believed in it literally(organic matter that produces emotions is physically located in heart)...

Now back to the topic, if you stop thinking about problems, stress will go way for the moment, but Is addiction to drug or opium of brain is helpful in long run?? - Kicking cannon down the road is not the solution, stats shows that not just religious communities but conservative cultures(Faith in traditional values, race, religion etc) are more in depression partly they are more slow to react, interested in after life than this life or past, even with lot of dose of opium depression is not going away.

This is not true, the heart does have connections to emotions.

 

[KingKhanWC]

I do, actually and I also know for a fact that it's not depression the same way a cough is not lung cancer. Depression is a medical disorder that has very specific symptoms and can only be diagnosed and treated by a qualified mental health professional. There really is very little awareness here about what depression really is, every sheeda pistol who's going through a tough time and feeling low thinks he's suffering from depression which just isn't true. What you're experiencing is simply a poor state of mind due to a prolonged lack of human contact. I have some experience in this regard and I know how crushing it can be but it absolutely isn't depression.

How do you measure this medical disorder? If someone is lacking confidence, unhappy, closed off etc is this person just sad or depressed. Is there any medical tests which can prove a person is suffering from depression?

 

[PakLFC]

I am feeling depressed reading all of the above!

 

[Bilal7]

Any evidence of that? Some of the happiest nations on earth are those that have done away with religion.

Like China? From my experiences the amount of depressed people in the West, especially among teenagers and other younger age groups is higher than those among Muslim countries or even Muslims living in said Western countries.

Which shouldn't be a surprise at all. When you have no higher purpose, the smallest of setbacks can severely hurt a person.

I know many whom have gone succumbed to depression because of religion...

Those people must not have had very strong faith. If we take the example of Islam, a person who believes in the rewards promised by God for good actions and patience, won't let worldly problems affect them to the extent that they become depressed.

Not debating scripture with anyone or asking any of the geniuses here about their opinion on Islam. My point is about a focus on the hereafter granting a person hope and immunity from depression.

 

[Bilal7]

Have never in my life met a practicing Muslim who was depressed. Ever. And I have met a whole lot of such people. Sure they all had troubles like any other person but their faith in Paradise and the idea that God will eventually grant them relief from their problems in this world itself meant that they were able to be patient and did not end up depressed.

On the contrary, I have met and spoken to people without this faith who were going through depression.

 

[DW44]

How do you measure this medical disorder? If someone is lacking confidence, unhappy, closed off etc is this person just sad or depressed. Is there any medical tests which can prove a person is suffering from depression?

Speak to a psychiatrist. Someone with no medical or psychiatric education can't diagnose it.

 

[DW44]

Like China? From my experiences the amount of depressed people in the West, especially among teenagers and other younger age groups is higher than those among Muslim countries or even Muslims living in said Western countries.

Which shouldn't be a surprise at all. When you have no higher purpose, the smallest of setbacks can severely hurt a person.

I was thinking more along the lines of Norway, Denmark and Switzerland, not a poor communist dictatorship. By evidence I was referring to academic papers or some the results of professionally conducted studies, basically something more concrete than the isolated personal experiences of one individual that are informed by a heavy pro religion bias. It's no surprise that the conclusions drawn from the personal experience based approach are deeply flawed and biased. The assumption that having a higher purpose makes one less prone to a given disease is as ridiculous as suggesting that believers have a monopoly on higher purposes.

 

[DW44]

Have never in my life met a practicing Muslim who was depressed. Ever. And I have met a whole lot of such people. Sure they all had troubles like any other person but their faith in Paradise and the idea that God will eventually grant them relief from their problems in this world itself meant that they were able to be patient and did not end up depressed.

On the contrary, I have met and spoken to people without this faith who were going through depression.

Pakistan has more practicing Muslims than virtually anywhere else on earth bar maybe Indonesia and 50 million Pakistanis, roughly one out of every four people in Pakistan, suffer from some form of mental illness. This is why the personal experience based approach, where one's confirmation bias comes into play, is unreliable in scientific matters. Here's a report on statistics concerning mental health in Pakistan presented by a professional in the field: http://www.dawn.com/news/1288880

 

[DHONI183]

A few symptoms that greatly separate a general low-life feeling and sadness from severe kind depression are the difficulty in concentrating on things and tasks, difficulty in remembering details, making even the easiest of decisions and in general the clarity in thoughts, delayed response to even the simplest of questions. Fatigue can be added as one too, but the bit about the delayed response to questions is such an interesting one that only those would understand who´ve had depression or have seen a beloved one suffer from it.

I give you an example, which isn´t quite that of clinical depression but still..... I suffer from hypothyroidism (a fairly common disorder) and in June I´d to discontinue my thyroid medicine for five-six days due to the tremors that it caused. I couldn´t even participate in a goal-predicting competition of the Copa America because I´d open the schedule and for minutes keep staring at it and yet not get who´s playing whom. I know this is just a lame example but one I remember very well.

 

[DHONI183]

Secondly, fairly easy-going and the happiest of people of late have been complaining of depression or similar symptoms following a steroids therapy. A steroid injection to reduce muscular inflammation for neck, back, knee etc. pain and discomfort has done it for some, and most of these have been people who otherwise have no reason or cause to be sad in life.

 

[proud_pakistani]

For me personally I never really feel depressed. If I am ever feeling depressed I will have a tasty burger (usually a shake shack) and everything will be all good.

Depression to me is just caused sometimes when things are not going in my favor for a prolonged period of time. Like job situation is not good, or financial troubles, break-ups etc.

To be honest this depression crap is non-sense unless you are really in trouble with something. Everyday there are positives to take out of this world even amidst all the negativity. Its your job to look for the positives and be happy. Depression never helps solve a problem

 

[princeuk]

Negative events in life. No cure as far as I know.

This. Different circumstances cause depression in others and WE all get it, but in Asian communities the topic is taboo for some reason, nobody talks about depression and nobody talks about mental illness, especially if guys. It's sad and it see and easily addressable but it's kept out of bounds.

I suffered from depression in my teenage years at secondary school and it took me an eternity to get over it cos I couldn't talk or share with anyone else that time, my dad was very old school and very strict about everything.

 

[aloo paratha]

This. Different circumstances cause depression in others and WE all get it, but in Asian communities the topic is taboo for some reason, nobody talks about depression and nobody talks about mental illness, especially if guys. It's sad and it see and easily addressable but it's kept out of bounds.

I suffered from depression in my teenage years at secondary school and it took me an eternity to get over it cos I couldn't talk or share with anyone else that time, my dad was very old school and very strict about everything.

Yeah, there are some things about desi households and culture that are very wrong!

 

[Nikhil_cric]

Depends. Underlying health conditions can cause depression/anxiety as it did for me. in which case, treating depression is useless unless the underlying cause is treated.

 

[jeetu]

Everyone gets depressed from time to time. It could be any factor. I guess only exceptions are infants or saints.

 

[TalentSpotterPk]

Yeah, there are some things about desi households and culture that are very wrong!

What do you think is the reason for that ?

 

[aloo paratha]

Pakistan has more practicing Muslims than virtually anywhere else on earth bar maybe Indonesia and 50 million Pakistanis, roughly one out of every four people in Pakistan, suffer from some form of mental illness. This is why the personal experience based approach, where one's confirmation bias comes into play, is unreliable in scientific matters. Here's a report on statistics concerning mental health in Pakistan presented by a professional in the field: http://www.dawn.com/news/1288880

No doubt, the highlighted part in his comment is odd, I have known Muslims who are depressed. However I think it is foolish to say that 1 in 4 Pakistanis are depressed because of religion(not that you said this, but by the nature of your posts I think it's a logical assumption). Remember that Pakistan is a country where there are other problems as well. Mainly poverty, but others as well. All around, the quality of life in Pakistan is not that good for a lot of the people living there, and that is a big factor, a bigger one than religion, I think.

 

[DW44]

No doubt, the highlighted part in his comment is odd, I have known Muslims who are depressed. However I think it is foolish to say that 1 in 4 Pakistanis are depressed because of religion(not that you said this, but by the nature of your posts I think it's a logical assumption). Remember that Pakistan is a country where there are other problems as well. Mainly poverty, but others as well. All around, the quality of life in Pakistan is not that good for a lot of the people living there, and that is a big factor, a bigger one than religion, I think.

Not what I was suggesting. It's always a combination of hundreds of social, environmental and genetic factors that cause depression. I was simply disputing a patently ludicrous claim but that doesn't necessarily mean that I believe the exact opposite to be true. My disdain for religion aside, I take a lot of pride in being able to maintain a certain level of objectivity and not letting my personal beliefs get in the way of being factually correct.

 

[Bilal7]

Pakistan has more practicing Muslims than virtually anywhere else on earth bar maybe Indonesia and 50 million Pakistanis, roughly one out of every four people in Pakistan, suffer from some form of mental illness. This is why the personal experience based approach, where one's confirmation bias comes into play, is unreliable in scientific matters. Here's a report on statistics concerning mental health in Pakistan presented by a professional in the field: http://www.dawn.com/news/1288880

I was sharing my experiences in this thread, just like several other people. I never presented it as anything other than my own observations.

That link you shared is hardly an example of scientific fact. Some random psychiatrist throwing out a number does not in any way prove that 50 million Pakistanis are suffering from depression. Just like your claim of Pakistanis being the most practicing Muslims in the world has nothing but your opinions backing it up.

For someone criticizing others for sharing their personal experiences, your posts have yet to display anything amounting to solid scientific facts.

 

[PakLFC]

I sometimes feel depressed not even knowing why I am feeling that way. It's not due to a lack of money or being less loved rather a feeling of emptiness in my heart. I think the daily routine often gets people down like we get up, get ready for the day ahead to study or work, eat then spend time with friends and family, internet etc repeating the same thing every day. As suggested by a wise lady I now recite “Yaa Hayyu yaa Qayyoom, bi Rahmatika astagheeth (O Ever-Living One, O Everlasting One, by Your mercy I seek help).” whenever I am feeling great weight on my heart. Alhumdolillah, it's been month's since I last had that empty feeling.

 

[PakLFC]

Former England wicket keeper from the 1980's David Bairstow, Jonny's Dad killed himself due to depression related issues. Its a serious matter often ignored by the Pakistani community.

 

[DW44]

I was sharing my experiences in this thread, just like several other people. I never presented it as anything other than my own observations.

That link you shared is hardly an example of scientific fact. Some random psychiatrist throwing out a number does not in any way prove that 50 million Pakistanis are suffering from depression. Just like your claim of Pakistanis being the most practicing Muslims in the world has nothing but your opinions backing it up.

For someone criticizing others for sharing their personal experiences, your posts have yet to display anything amounting to solid scientific facts.

If you share a poorly informed opinion based based on personal experiences on an open forum, don't act surprised if someone calls you out on it. Dismissing the opinion of a professional whose livelihood depends on being aware of the situation on the ground because it doesn't conform to your preconceived notions doesn't make the facts shared in that opinion any less valid. Equating that, an opinion on a quantifiable empirical fact with my opinion on whether or not people are religious is ludicrous considering that one's an objective fact while the other is subjective and open to interpretation based on one's opinions. The personal experience I shared was of the latter kind. That you chose not to acknowledge the shared facts doesn't mean that no facts were shared.

 

[Suleiman]

Had a relative who suffered from this for a long time in her life. Alhamdullilah she is fine now, haven't met her in a while so don't know how it is now. There were circumstances and situations in her life that I hope no one has to endure which put her in the deep hole known as depression, but with medication and not being kept away from said circumstances she was able to dig herself out.

Wish anyone with depression a swift recovery or at least a way to cope with it iA.

 

[uberkoen]

I was sharing my experiences in this thread, just like several other people. I never presented it as anything other than my own observations.

That link you shared is hardly an example of scientific fact. Some random psychiatrist throwing out a number does not in any way prove that 50 million Pakistanis are suffering from depression. Just like your claim of Pakistanis being the most practicing Muslims in the world has nothing but your opinions backing it up.

For someone criticizing others for sharing their personal experiences, your posts have yet to display anything amounting to solid scientific facts.

I love how you shoot down an argument backed by some sort of evidence (however weak it may be) yet go on to propose how a lack of religion and spirituality leads to depression without providing any backing whatsoever for your claim.

Brilliant logic. Before throwing our and questioning other peoples comments have a look at what you're posting as well. Either back your statements up with scientific proof or don't go around asking others to do it either.

 

[KingKhanWC]

Speak to a psychiatrist. Someone with no medical or psychiatric education can't diagnose it.

You seemed to suggest a poster doesn't suffer from depression just by reading what he wrote on a forum.

I'm not asking yout to diagnoise anything. Since you seem to be clear regarding the difference between depression and general sadness, perhaps you can point out how depression is actually confirmed?

 

[Bewal Express]

I have had family members suffer from both depression and Paranoid Schizophrenia and both illnesses are destructive and i console myself with the fact that it was Allah's will. Today For me the sad thing is that young people are playing with fire by smoking weed and other types of Cannabis drugs. When i see young people who suffer from these illnesses it brings pain to my heart and it is even more painful when you realise that they are self inflicted. I challenge my students to ignore the nonsense talked by people that Cannabis is harmless.

 

[James]

Had this when I was a teenager, for around 2 years. Utterly horrible. I did not leave my bedroom for weeks at a time, except to use the toilet and warm up microwaveable food. It's the feeling of worthlessness that is particularly pointed with depression IMO. I am not 'worth' anything, not 'worthy' of going out into public spaces, having any friends, using the shower, etc. I have had practically no feelings of depression for well over 10 years.

Anxiety / panic disorder is the current ailment. Triggered by stress and sleep deprivation. Doing ok in the beginnings of tackling this, but a long way to go. I can lead a normal life though - which with depression one certainly can not.

 

[Bewal Express]

Had this when I was a teenager, for around 2 years. Utterly horrible. I did not leave my bedroom for weeks at a time, except to use the toilet and warm up microwaveable food. It's the feeling of worthlessness that is particularly pointed with depression IMO. I am not 'worth' anything, not 'worthy' of going out into public spaces, having any friends, using the shower, etc. I have had practically no feelings of depression for well over 10 years.

Anxiety / panic disorder is the current ailment. Triggered by stress and sleep deprivation. Doing ok in the beginnings of tackling this, but a long way to go. I can lead a normal life though - which with depression one certainly can not.

From my experience in the family, stress was the biggest cause of depression.

 

[DW44]

You seemed to suggest a poster doesn't suffer from depression just by reading what he wrote on a forum.

I'm not asking yout to diagnoise anything. Since you seem to be clear regarding the difference between depression and general sadness, perhaps you can point out how depression is actually confirmed?

General awareness. While only a qualified professional can diagnose it to a medical certainty, a reasonably well inform layman can make a decent enough guess at whether or not someone suffers from depression or is just in a poor state of mind if they're familiar with the warning signs.

 

[Bilal7]

I love how you shoot down an argument backed by some sort of evidence (however weak it may be) yet go on to propose how a lack of religion and spirituality leads to depression without providing any backing whatsoever for your claim.

Brilliant logic. Before throwing our and questioning other peoples comments have a look at what you're posting as well. Either back your statements up with scientific proof or don't go around asking others to do it either.

You seem to have the situation backwards. I suggest you go through this thread again, at a pace where your will be able to better comprehend the many words you will read, and then decide who countered my personal opinions with more personal opinions but with the illusion of "facts" veiling them.

This is not something that can be proved by facts or evidence either way. However, I actually realize and acknowledge this and do not try to twist and use some vague surveys about happiness and Dawn articles to make it seem like my own opinions are somehow more valid than those of others.

If you share a poorly informed opinion based based on personal experiences on an open forum, don't act surprised if someone calls you out on it. Dismissing the opinion of a professional whose livelihood depends on being aware of the situation on the ground because it doesn't conform to your preconceived notions doesn't make the facts shared in that opinion any less valid. Equating that, an opinion on a quantifiable empirical fact with my opinion on whether or not people are religious is ludicrous considering that one's an objective fact while the other is subjective and open to interpretation based on one's opinions. The personal experience I shared was of the latter kind. That you chose not to acknowledge the shared facts doesn't mean that no facts were shared.

There were no facts shared, just the words of one psychiatrist whose job would become very lucrative if she ends up convincing the naive among the Pakistani populace that a third of the country is suffering from mental disorders. Please excuse me if I don't believe that 50 million Pakistanis are suffering from mental disorders when there is not a hint of primary research or data attached with the sensationalized words.

 

[yasir]

This is not true, the heart does have connections to emotions.

Connection is one thing and front and center completely different. Heart is a pump, it gets signals from brain like every other organ, but again heart acts more like slave to signals from brain, where the processing of everything happens including emotions.... I don't think 1400 years ago people knew that, they had no idea every other organ is just mechanical only, that's why literature is so wrong about the importance of heart.

I also think religious literature is completely wrong about the concept of 'Ru'(soul), there is nothing outside of our organic matter body that is so vital or critical to our intelligence or life. This is again old myth with no evidence... More we are learning about brain, it is getting clear, our body is all inclusive nothing sits outside...BTW: Concept of soul(like heart) is not patented by religion, it's origin is from older philosophical literature, religion just piggy backed on it, like most of it concepts which were borrowed from past culture or where it originated. There is very little that is original anyway.

 

[PakLFC]

Is depression a mental disorder?

 

[KingKhanWC]

General awareness. While only a qualified professional can diagnose it to a medical certainty, a reasonably well inform layman can make a decent enough guess at whether or not someone suffers from depression or is just in a poor state of mind if they're familiar with the warning signs.

How do professionals diagnose depression?

 

[KingKhanWC]

Had this when I was a teenager, for around 2 years. Utterly horrible. I did not leave my bedroom for weeks at a time, except to use the toilet and warm up microwaveable food. It's the feeling of worthlessness that is particularly pointed with depression IMO. I am not 'worth' anything, not 'worthy' of going out into public spaces, having any friends, using the shower, etc. I have had practically no feelings of depression for well over 10 years.

Anxiety / panic disorder is the current ailment. Triggered by stress and sleep deprivation. Doing ok in the beginnings of tackling this, but a long way to go. I can lead a normal life though - which with depression one certainly can not.

Nice to hear you no longer have this problem. How did you manage to become better?

 

[KingKhanWC]

Connection is one thing and front and center completely different. Heart is a pump, it gets signals from brain like every other organ, but again heart acts more like slave to signals from brain, where the processing of everything happens including emotions.... I don't think 1400 years ago people knew that, they had no idea every other organ is just mechanical only, that's why literature is so wrong about the importance of heart.

I also think religious literature is completely wrong about the concept of 'Ru'(soul), there is nothing outside of our organic matter body that is so vital or critical to our intelligence or life. This is again old myth with no evidence... More we are learning about brain, it is getting clear, our body is all inclusive nothing sits outside...BTW: Concept of soul(like heart) is not patented by religion, it's origin is from older philosophical literature, religion just piggy backed on it, like most of it concepts which were borrowed from past culture or where it originated. There is very little that is original anyway.

Our research and that of others indicate that the heart is far more than a simple pump. The heart is, in fact, a highly complex, self-organized information processing center with its own functional “brain” that communicates with and influences the cranial brain via the nervous system, hormonal system and other pathways. These influences profoundly affect brain function and most of the body’s major organs, and ultimately determine the quality of life.

https://www.heartmath.org/resources/downloads/science-of-the-heart/?submenuheader=3

I think the verse in the Quran which points to finding peace in the heart is amazing. But only a Muslim will know the experience of feeling at peace as described in the Quran.

 

[adil_909]

I'm a medical doctor, a pediatrician (child specialist). I have diagnosed hundreds of teenagers with depression, and seem them improve with correct treatment. Fundamentally, depression is caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain. There are various triggers to this, and it varies from person to person. Things that cause depression in one person may not in someone else. So there is definitely a large genetic and environmental component as people have mentioned already. But once the cycle starts, it can be very difficult to stop without proper diagnosis and treatment. Without this, a lot of people feel so helpless they try to kill themselves with suicide. It often is a cry for help, but sometimes they are successful and those are the most tragic cases. Treatment is a combination of antidepressants, which help realign the chemical imbalance in the brain, and also therapy which tries to address the situations and environments that trigger the problem.

 

[James]

Nice to hear you no longer have this problem. How did you manage to become better?

'Facing the fear' is a big one I think. All the things that a mental illness makes you scared of doing, however minor, get out of bed and do them. It's uncomfortable and upsetting at first, but you soon realise that normal life is better than isolation:

 

[Robert]

Connection is one thing and front and center completely different. Heart is a pump, it gets signals from brain like every other organ, but again heart acts more like slave to signals from brain, where the processing of everything happens including emotions.... I don't think 1400 years ago people knew that, they had no idea every other organ is just mechanical only, that's why literature is so wrong about the importance of heart.

On the other hand, the heart has a big nerve supply, nearly as complex as the brain of a mouse, and the stomach has another. When we are bereaved we feel it in our chest. I think it would be a mistake to believe that the central nervous system is the seat of 100% of thought and emotion.

 

[Robert]

How do professionals diagnose depression?

I think it is quite subjective. Depression is due to a lack of certain neurotransmitters. Some doctors are quick to put people on antidepressants to rectify this shortfall. I got close to depression at one point due to work and family stress and insomnia, but resisted my doctor's advice to take the drugs. I took a course of psychotherapy instead, which sorted me out. But a dear friend of mine got post-natal depression and never recovered. She has been on antidepressants for over twenty years.

 

[adil_909]

I think it is quite subjective. Depression is due to a lack of certain neurotransmitters. Some doctors are quick to put people on antidepressants to rectify this shortfall. I got close to depression at one point due to work and family stress and insomnia, but resisted my doctor's advice to take the drugs. I took a course of psychotherapy instead, which sorted me out. But a dear friend of mine got post-natal depression and never recovered. She has been on antidepressants for over twenty years.

Actually it's not subjective, there are very strict diagnostic criteria for diagnosing major depressive disorder. Whether some doctors aren't as strict about using the criteria is another problem. But in reality, criteria for diagnosis exist, and they are very explicit for what does and does not constitute MDD.

There are also different grades. For example there is a disorder called dysthimia which is more chronic low-grade depression, and that too has very set diagnostic criteria.

 

[KingKhanWC]

I'm a medical doctor, a pediatrician (child specialist). I have diagnosed hundreds of teenagers with depression, and seem them improve with correct treatment. Fundamentally, depression is caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain. There are various triggers to this, and it varies from person to person. Things that cause depression in one person may not in someone else. So there is definitely a large genetic and environmental component as people have mentioned already. But once the cycle starts, it can be very difficult to stop without proper diagnosis and treatment. Without this, a lot of people feel so helpless they try to kill themselves with suicide. It often is a cry for help, but sometimes they are successful and those are the most tragic cases. Treatment is a combination of antidepressants, which help realign the chemical imbalance in the brain, and also therapy which tries to address the situations and environments that trigger the problem.

Can you please tell me about 'Borderline Personality Disorder'?

Btw this is not about me or anyone else, just general personal knowledge.

 

[KingKhanWC]

'Facing the fear' is a big one I think. All the things that a mental illness makes you scared of doing, however minor, get out of bed and do them. It's uncomfortable and upsetting at first, but you soon realise that normal life is better than isolation:

I don't want to ask details but did you have someone there to help you? I don't mean a professional but a friend/family member etc?

 

[KingKhanWC]

I think it is quite subjective. Depression is due to a lack of certain neurotransmitters. Some doctors are quick to put people on antidepressants to rectify this shortfall. I got close to depression at one point due to work and family stress and insomnia, but resisted my doctor's advice to take the drugs. I took a course of psychotherapy instead, which sorted me out. But a dear friend of mine got post-natal depression and never recovered. She has been on antidepressants for over twenty years.

Sad to hear, hope she gets better.

 

[shaz619]

I've had this for about 2 years/in-frequently when I was younger and during last summer was having suicidal thoughts, am feeling better now and just need to focus on things within my reach so that when things go my way I wouldn't need to worry about x,y,z given some unexpected responsibilities due to a series of unfortunate events.

I've had a pretty turbulent life growing up and my mental health hasn't been in the best shape, also was recently diagnosed by a psychologist to have a combination of various learning disabilities ,they were surprised I managed to get into a top uni and that too with no support by not quitting upon failure although it has taken me a little longer to get where am at. I hope that I've weathered the storm despite some ongoing personal issues because am feeling good at the moment.

There is no right or wrong way to deal with the issues which people have mentally, I personally don't believe in the use of drugs and think that when it comes to a particular problem it can only sort itself out. It's important to confide in people you trust and when you're ready go speak to a specialist who won't make matters worse in terms of what they recommend for your recovery you should go see them.

 

[shaz619]

It can be tough for asians especially to speak to loved ones about their mental issues given the backward attitude towards it but confide in people you're on a level with

 

[KingKhanWC]

It can be tough for asians especially to speak to loved ones about their mental issues given the backward attitude towards it but confide in people you're on a level with

Yes, some think it's black magic etc.

Glad to hear you have turned things around bro. : )

 

[shaz619]

Yes, some think it's black magic etc.

Glad to hear you have turned things around bro. : )

Bro I've seen people use Black Magic as an excuse for all the stupid stuff they do But from an Islam point of view it's legit. I think when it comes to mental related stuff it's all they can relate to so are quick to point the magic out or just belittle you for being weak.

Cheers mate, hopefully remains this way

 

[Hamza_]

I've had this for about 2 years/in-frequently when I was younger and during last summer was having suicidal thoughts, am feeling better now and just need to focus on things within my reach so that when things go my way I wouldn't need to worry about x,y,z given some unexpected responsibilities due to a series of unfortunate events.

I've had a pretty turbulent life growing up and my mental health hasn't been in the best shape, also was recently diagnosed by a psychologist to have a combination of various learning disabilities ,they were surprised I managed to get into a top uni and that too with no support by not quitting upon failure although it has taken me a little longer to get where am at. I hope that I've weathered the storm despite some ongoing personal issues because am feeling good at the moment.

There is no right or wrong way to deal with the issues which people have mentally, I personally don't believe in the use of drugs and think that when it comes to a particular problem it can only sort itself out. It's important to confide in people you trust and when you're ready go speak to a specialist who won't make matters worse in terms of what they recommend for your recovery you should go see them.

I have 100% same situation

 

[Robert]

Actually it's not subjective, there are very strict diagnostic criteria for diagnosing major depressive disorder. Whether some doctors aren't as strict about using the criteria is another problem. But in reality, criteria for diagnosis exist, and they are very explicit for what does and does not constitute MDD.

There are also different grades. For example there is a disorder called dysthimia which is more chronic low-grade depression, and that too has very set diagnostic criteria.

Ta for this clarification

 

[James]

I don't want to ask details but did you have someone there to help you? I don't mean a professional but a friend/family member etc?

My mum I suppose. I had very little human contact otherwise due to being a shut-in.

 

[yasir]

https://www.heartmath.org/resources/downloads/science-of-the-heart/?submenuheader=3

I think the verse in the Quran which points to finding peace in the heart is amazing. But only a Muslim will know the experience of feeling at peace as described in the Quran.

In recent years, we have conducted a number of research studies that have explored topics such as the electrophysiology of intuition and the degree to which the heart’s magnetic field, which radiates outside the body, carries information that affects other people and even our pets, and links people together in surprising ways. We also launched the Global Coherence Initiative (GCI), which explores the interconnectivity of humanity with Earth’s magnetic fields.

Really, Do we have that strong of magnetic field in our heart to carry signal outside of our body?? - I highly doubt that, Is there really any evidence or data behind it? - I would like to see the empirical evidence.

On the other hand, the heart has a big nerve supply, nearly as complex as the brain of a mouse, and the stomach has another. When we are bereaved we feel it in our chest. I think it would be a mistake to believe that the central nervous system is the seat of 100% of thought and emotion.

There is no evidence that heart is a thinking organic matter, it can reflects the state of emotions(sort of a monitoring tool) but cannot create or store one, it does not have memory, you can transplant the heart, person still remains the same. Not true with brain, it stores your experiences, emotions, memories. Heart or another body part does not. You can recreate the feeling if you have brain and all other organs replaced...

Same way, eyes do lot of local processing, but only store cache data that is required for immediate processing of images... Where as storing and processing and co-relation of image/video data(past/present) and with other units(voice, touch etc) is mainly done in brain... We are not octopus, where brain is distributed and not centrally located

 

[Suleiman]

I've had this for about 2 years/in-frequently when I was younger and during last summer was having suicidal thoughts, am feeling better now and just need to focus on things within my reach so that when things go my way I wouldn't need to worry about x,y,z given some unexpected responsibilities due to a series of unfortunate events.

I've had a pretty turbulent life growing up and my mental health hasn't been in the best shape, also was recently diagnosed by a psychologist to have a combination of various learning disabilities ,they were surprised I managed to get into a top uni and that too with no support by not quitting upon failure although it has taken me a little longer to get where am at. I hope that I've weathered the storm despite some ongoing personal issues because am feeling good at the moment.

There is no right or wrong way to deal with the issues which people have mentally, I personally don't believe in the use of drugs and think that when it comes to a particular problem it can only sort itself out. It's important to confide in people you trust and when you're ready go speak to a specialist who won't make matters worse in terms of what they recommend for your recovery you should go see them.

Wow that's something. Props to you for still not letting your health issues limit you, and IIRC you're in your final year of uni, that's really great Mash'Allah.

Have to agree with your last para, very true.

 

[shaz619]

Wow that's something. Props to you for still not letting your health issues limit you, and IIRC you're in your final year of uni, that's really great Mash'Allah.

Have to agree with your last para, very true.

Cheers mate, you'd no best that impossible is just an opinion

 

[adil_909]

There is no right or wrong way to deal with the issues which people have mentally, I personally don't believe in the use of drugs and think that when it comes to a particular problem it can only sort itself out. It's important to confide in people you trust and when you're ready go speak to a specialist who won't make matters worse in terms of what they recommend for your recovery you should go see them.

first of all, i'm glad you are feeling better and more in control of your life. psychotherapy is a very important part of treatment of depression. having a skilled therapist can make all the difference. but your point about not using medications is very dangerous. if you have diabetes, you take metformin or insulin. if you have asthma, you take inhalers. similarly, depression is caused by chemical imbalance in your brain that make you more prone to responding to different external stimuli in a negative manner. antidepressants help correct that imbalance. anyone who is suffering from depression should be seen by a physician and work together with a medical doctor who can prescribe medications and a therapist who can address the stressors and provide coping mechanisms. this is the the correct way to treat depression.

 

[StreetSmart]

Fear and Anxiety

 

[shaz619]

first of all, i'm glad you are feeling better and more in control of your life. psychotherapy is a very important part of treatment of depression. having a skilled therapist can make all the difference. but your point about not using medications is very dangerous. if you have diabetes, you take metformin or insulin. if you have asthma, you take inhalers. similarly, depression is caused by chemical imbalance in your brain that make you more prone to responding to different external stimuli in a negative manner. antidepressants help correct that imbalance. anyone who is suffering from depression should be seen by a physician and work together with a medical doctor who can prescribe medications and a therapist who can address the stressors and provide coping mechanisms. this is the the correct way to treat depression.

I didn't say someone shouldn't take drugs entirely because they are useful to treat all those physical conditions you mention but I don't personally believe in their use for a psychological problem with so many factors involved that a magic tablet simply wouldn't be able to solve (not to mention potential side effects) but each to their own and am open to other forms of treatment when it comes to depression. As I said, there's no right or wrong answer and if someone chooses to take anti-depressants then am not going to argue against that

 

[James]

I never took antidepressants for depression, but I am currently taking them for anxiety and they certainly help with that.

At particularly stressful moments in my week I used to suddenly disappear into a vortex of heightened senses and existential terror whilst I had a 30-minute panic attack; but with the assistance of anti-depressants, and in the face of stresses & pressures that have been greater than ever recently, these panic attacks are now staying away.

The price? You occasionally feel rather stoned - not "high", just stoned. As a result of this, you are probably not operating at the top of your game to be fair - which you were before, except for those moments when you were having your panic attacks.

But panic attacks and general panic disorder are such horrific things that it's just nice to not have them.

 

[s28]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-conversation="none" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">I have been prescribed regular exercise by a) one of the top depression docs in London b) the MH unit at QE. It's not old wives.</p>— Tracy King (@tkingdot) <a href="https://twitter.com/tkingdot/status/880772428166811648">June 30, 2017</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[Syed1]

Me own mum had it not too long ago. Clinical depression is a very bad thing.