Director, Emergency Services, Bikur Cholim Hospital
I have been asked to speak about mental health, specifically
depression. Thank G-d, the community in Bnei Brak has
excellent and discreet centers of treatment including
Maayanai HaYeshua and Tel Hashomer. I am not as aware of the
situation in Jerusalem, and I imagine that as you get further
out the options are limited, although I would like to hear
more on the subject.
Depression is a serious illness. We have progressed a lot
from the times of Freud and different complexes and bogus
therapies. Frontal lobotomies are a thing of the past and
while electrical shocks to the brain (called
electroconvulsive therapy) are still done, it is rare.
Nowadays there are safer options and pills are very
effective. While there were pills that were effective in the
past, they were lethal in overdose. This is not the case with
the new antidepressants.
The problem is admitting that there is a problem. Since
depression is such a common problem, it is often overlooked
or it is not given attention for fear of labeling.
Depression is not just being "blue" occasionally, nor is it a
grief reaction. Depression is a feeling of lack of worth,
suicidal thoughts, change in sleep or eating patterns,
inability to concentrate, guilt, and/or lack of energy. You
do not need all these signs. A few are enough.
Who can help? I think medication is a crucial issue because
it really helps. Someone to guide a depressed person is
important and I believe that rebbeim are a good idea.
Problems can occur if the pills are not taken, if a suicide
attempt is made, or if there is involvement of drugs or
alcohol. Self-control is necessary and a strong support team
is part of this.
In addition, there are special types of depression to be
aware of. Postpartum depression, that is, depression after
birth, is very common. Manic-depression is a high-low
disorder that needs a different therapy. Depressed people do
not feel they are worth caring about so you, as a friend,
spouse, or spiritual leader, can be a true lifesaver by just
caring and guiding them to people who can help. Chessed
is a language we should all speak and helping these
people is no less of a chessed. Write me in care of
the Yated.
A message from GlaxoSmithKline, sponsor of this
column. Seroxat is one of these new medications that we
have spoken about and I have seen the good work this
medication does. It is safe and effective with very few side
effects. This is an example of how we have improved our
treatment.
