Tackling Depression Over the Holidays
By: Sushma Bahal, MSW RSW
As published in the Canadian Military Family Magazine (Issue 27), 2016.
I was watching an episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation Season 1, Episode 23 entitled: Skin of Evil (if you haven’t seen it, I highly recommend it). The episode reminded me of how depression can present itself in individuals. I will provide a brief synopsis of the episode:
In attempt to rescue the ship counsellor Deanna Troy and shuttle pilot Ben Prieto who crash land on a planet called Vagra II, the Enterprise rescue crew (away team) transports to the planet’s surface. Once there, they are immediately acquainted with Armus, a liquid tar like substance which takes on a human form (very much like that alien symbiote which envelops spider-man and turns him into venom). Armus disallows the away team to access the injured members of their crew. This incites arebellious act on the part of Lieutenant Natasha Yar, who defies Armus and is instantly killed by him via a force field. Armus is an angry creature who wants Lieutenant Yar to suffer before death, however her instant death fails to accomplish that. At first, it is not clear as to why Armus is angry. However, he later admits to Deanna Troy, that he was abandoned by his host species and has been alone on the planet since. Armus feeds on the negative energy and emotions of others and boasts to Captain Picard that he is the ‘skin of evil’. The episode concludes with Captain Picard being beamed up to his ship, leaving poor Armus alone and abandoned once again.
As entertaining as this episode was, it reminded me of a few people that I know who suffer from major depression. Armus exhibited many signs of major depression such as: sadness, loneliness, feelings of worthlessness, restlessness, diminished interest or pleasures in many activities (this is why he only killed Lieutenant Yar and no one else from the away team, as her instant death it did not bring him any pleasure). Armus, was also enraged as a result of being abandoned by his host. His rage enveloped him and allowed him to take on a very possessive and downright mean disposition towards others. He called himself the “skin of evil” to reinstate his importance as a “badass” in order to gain some negotiation power with Captain Picard. Perhaps he also said it to sooth his feeling of being inadequate, which could have resulted from being abandoned. I am of course generalizing. However, if Armus were real, his issues would likely be complex. I would have to sit with Armus to unpack his feelings and help him formulate strategies to combat his depression, anxiety and fears and get to the root cause(s) of his issues.
Some of you who are reading this or who have seen the episode may personally relate to Armus and may be suffering from depression right now, or perhaps you know someone who exhibits many of the same symptoms as Armus. Many of you may have suffered from varying degrees of depression at different times in your lives. Depression can be compared to the “skin of evil” which can suffocate its host and seemingly take over its universe. It can creep up very slowly and fester. If not combated, it can prove debilitating over time and drain you of your zest for life and turn you into a different person. Many people who suffer from major depression cannot get out of bed, because they feel extremely sick, in some cases, their medical tests show that they are in good overall health. In most cases, they were very active people before.
Depression can be triggered by memories of past or recent trauma, self-esteem issues, loss of a loved one, events such as birthdays, anniversaries, holidays, 9/11 or November 11(Remembrance day). Essentially, depression can result of a combination of things, and may or may not result from one causal factor.
Some of the most common symptoms of depression include:
- fatigue
- lack of sleep
- diminished sex drive
- diminished interest in activities (including day to day activities)
- suicidal thoughts
- feeling of unworthiness
- sadness and crying for seemingly no reason
- increase or decrease in food consumption to name a few symptoms.
It is important that we do things to rid ourselves of this feeling of depression as soon as we notice its presence. Individuals suffering from depression for long periods of time may require the assistance of a health care professional, such as a social worker or physician for example. There are thousands of people worldwide who suffer from depression, you are not alone and there is no shame in asking for help! Most importantly, asking for help is a sign of strength, NOT a sign of weakness. Everyone needs help from time to time, so don’t be afraid, seek help today. If left untreated depression can cause severe health problems and even lead to suicide.
Here are some things you can do to combat depression in conjunction to seeing your doctor:
- Develop a routine. It is important to develop a routine and set goals: wake, eat, sleep at the same time every day and add at least one different activity to your day.
- Perform tasks that make you happy and keep you active.
- Get a pet. It will help to add to your routine, and provide a companion who will love you unconditionally.
- Ensure that you get an adequate amount of sleep (at least 6-8 hours)
- Consume healthy foods regularly and ensure that you have a balanced diet. Be sure to consume enough water as well. Contact your local dietitian if you need help with a diet plan.
- Try your best to avoid over indulgence. Some people end up chain smoking, and binging
- on alcohol and/or food when feeling depressed. This can worsen the depression and
- create or exasperate existing health issues.
- Talk therapy. Find a social worker and talk things through. You will learn different strategies to cope with your depression.
- Surround yourself with positive people. Minimize interactions with friends who wallow in self pity, who create problems for you, and who criticize you or others constantly. These people are toxic for you.