The Medicalization of Psychological Suffering - Essay Example

THE MEDICATION OF PSYCHOLOGICAL SUFFERING The Medication of Psychological Suffering Treatment of Psychological Suffering Depression is a form of psychological suffering. Depression is a mood disorder. It causes a persistent feeling of loss of interest and sadness. It affects how one think, behave and feel. Occasionally, depression may lead to a variety of physical and emotional problems. It makes one have a feeling of hopelessness in life and creates troubles in doing routine activities (Mayo Clinic Staff, 2014). Therefore, depression is not a faction but an abnormal experience. A variety factors cause depression. It may be biological differences causing a physical change in the brain. Brain chemistry may also contribute to depression where neurotransmitters chemicals get out of balance. Hormone imbalance also leads to the same. One can get depressed due to life events like the loss of a loved one or financial problems. Lastly, inherited traits also contribute in passing on depression genes from one generation to the next. Depression is not a weakness. People have different episodes of depression. Some people through observations can identify symptoms quickly. Some of the symptoms are a feeling of frustration, angry outbursts, or irritability even on a small matter. Others may feel unhappy, sad or a feeling of emptiness. To some, a sign is a loss of pleasure or interest in ordinary activities like sex. Others experience a change in appetite that may imply either an increase or a reduction in appetite (Mayo Clinic Staff, 2014). Sleep disturbances whereby one sleep too much or insomnia and tiredness with lack of energy are also common symptoms. Instances of slow thinking, slow body movements, and slow speaking or increased anxiety are indications. Others are restlessness and agitation. In addition, signs include concentration difficulty, problem with remembering things, unexplained physical problems like headache or pain and a frequent thought of death. Lastly, others may face a symptom of blaming themselves for things they had no control over or a feeling of worthlessness (Mayo Clinic Staff, 2014). After symptom identification, the patient is to seek relevant medication and psychological counseling. The antidepressant medication provided by the doctor or pharmacist include; first, careful serotonin reuptake inhibitors. The inhibitors are harmless and cause slighter side effects thus are the first prescriptions. Example of the inhibitors is fluoxetine, paroxetine, sertraline, escitalopram and citalopram (Mayo Clinic Staff, 2014). Second medication is norepinephrine and serotonin reuptake inhibitors. The drugs have duloxetine, desvenlafaxine, and venlafaxine. Third, norepinephrine and dopamine reuptake inhibitors made up of constituents of bupropion. Fourth, typical antidepressants made up of elements of mirtazapine and trazodone. Fifth, tricyclic antidepressants composed of tranylcypromine and phenelzine. Prescriptions work on condition that other medications have failed or have a serious side effect (Mayo Clinic Staff, 2014). Other treatments of depression include electroconvulsive therapy, which entails passing of electrical currents through the brain. The therapy offers immediate reprieve for severe depression. Transcranial magnetic stimulation is an option to those who have not responded to any of the antidepressants. It takes six weeks. One sits in a reclining chair and a treatment coil on the scalp (Mayo Clinic Staff, 2014). The treatment is to stimulate nerve cells in the brain involved in mood generation and depression. More importantly, the Psychotherapy is a form of treatment whereby the patient shares information with a mental health provider. It is also a talk therapy or counseling or psychosocial therapy. The procedures entail cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness techniques, commitment therapy, acceptance, and dialectic behavioral therapy. The therapies enable one to adjust to difficulties or crisis. They also allow the patient to identify and replace negative behaviors and beliefs with positive ones. They focus on helping patients to develop a positive relationship with others. Patients also learn to set realistic goals in life (Mayo Clinic Staff, 2014). Therapies are also vital in helping patients to regain a sense of satisfaction and control in life. Cultural and Social Context of Psychological Suffering-Depression Depressed persons suffer from psychological disorders such as substance abuse, anxiety, social phobia, and panic disorders. Others may face social isolation, suicidal feelings, self-mutilation, and family conflict. Obesity may result from depression. The cultural and social context has associated depression with the end of the world. For example, those who are depressed are often told, ‘do not get discouraged. The feeling of worthlessness varies with the social context (Mayo Clinic Staff, 2014). Teenagers rate their worthiness in relation to the social norms. Those who perform poorly in schools get depressed and are likely to be deviants. The elderly does not take depression culturally linked. Some cultures view other forms of depression as abomination. For example, a man found committed suicide is an outcast. Different social and cultural contexts have different opinions about depression. Gender with Depression Women are likely to seek medication when depressed as opposed to men. Men tend to cope with the difficulty. That is why most men will resolve to alcoholism as a solution to stress, depression. Most suicidal cases in the society are men related. Men believe they are strong and can handle any form of trouble unless if it directly relates to health. They rather keep a problem than share (Mayo Clinic Staff, 2014). Therefore, the victims of depression tend to be men. Psychological Wellness A person who is psychologically well is happy and has no thought of death or the suicidal thought. The person has a healthy appetite, an average weight, and a stable weight. Psychologically sound people have energy and the zeal to do daily activities in a normal way. One also has a good feeling about life, hopeful of the future and has a positive self-acceptance and self-concept. Therefore, a psychologically well person recognizes normal cognitive functions. Depression is common with certain disorders. For example, adjustment disorders that is a severe emotional reaction to a challenging task or event in life. The stress may affect someone’s feelings, behavior, and thoughts. Bipolar disorder is a mood swing that ranges from highs to lows. Cyclothymic disorder is similar to bipolar disorder only that it has a milder highs and lows. Another disorder is the persistent depressive disorder, less severe but more chronic. It is less disabling though can make one not to live to the fullest (Mayo Clinic Staff, 2014). A depressed person under treatment should stick to the treatment and learn about depression through education to get motivated. The patient should also get attention to the warning signs of worse cases and get physical exercise. The patient should minimize alcohol intake and get enough sleep. Therefore, one has to simplify his or her life, document patient journal to improve moods and read reputable books and websites about self-help. The recovering patient should also avoid isolation by participating in social activities. The patient should relax to manage stress. Other notable steps include healthy eating and good time management. Lastly, recovering patient should avoid making decisions while still depressed (Mayo Clinic Staff, 2014). Prevention is better than cure. Stress control increases reliance and boost self-esteem. Family and friends should be close mostly in times of crisis. Moreover, treatments should begin with early signs of the problem to prevent the worsening of the depression. Finally, individuals should consider getting long-term treatment. References Mayo Clinic Staff. (2014, February 21). Diseases and Conditions: Depression (major depressive disorder). Retrieved from Mayo Clinic: http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/depression/basics Bottom of Form Bottom of Form Read More