By Hessa Al-Humaidi
KUWAIT: Depression is more than just feeling down or having a bad day. It is a pervasive and serious mental health condition that affects millions worldwide. Often described as a silent epidemic, depression quietly disrupts lives, sapping energy, motivation and joy. It can cloud a lot of thoughts and distort one’s perception, creating a sense of hopelessness.
Despite its profound impact, it remains shrouded in stigma and misunderstanding, making it essential to foster awareness and compassion. Understanding depression is the first step toward breaking the silence and supporting those who struggle with this challenging and often invisible illness. Battling with her mental health, 20-year old Gahlia Abdullah went into the dark during her childhood due to the death of her close friend. When she was 16, her life flipped from being so great to facing the death of my close friend. COVID-19 took the one person who meant the world to her.
Although Ghalia went through a horrific time, it did not stop her from turning into a mentally healthy person later. "I later became stronger and happy. I treated myself by providing a space to explore my feelings and behaviors. My friends and family were great supporters and offered amazing help,” she explained as she shared her feelings and coping mechanisms so as to assist other people who are facing similar challenges. She noted that seeking help from a professional psychologist, therapist or counselor is a must.
19-year-old Sarah Salem has noticed significant changes in her mood and behavior in the past six months. Sarah feels a deep sense of sadness almost every day, which she cannot seem to shake off. She lost interest in activities she once enjoyed, like going out with her friends, reading and exercising. She even has lost her appetite and has unintentionally lost weight.
To treat herself, Sarah attended therapy sessions weekly while forcing herself to do some exercises and go out with her friends. She tried to focus on the things that she liked, engaging in activities that provide a sense of accomplishment. By combining these approaches, Sarah was able to manage her depression and she continues to use these strategies to maintain her well-being.
Farah Abdulaziz (32 years old) did not realize she has a sleep disorder. She was unaware of what was happening to her. She has trouble sleeping and was persistently sad and exhausted. Her appetite has changed and she lost interest in her favorite hobbies, avoiding friends and social gatherings. Farah preferred spending time alone and her behavior changed. "When I went into depression, I rarely smiled. My performance at work declined, and I was getting sick frequently,” she said. Farah sought professional help and engaged in self-care strategies.
"My therapist worked with me to identify negative thought patterns and develop healthier ways of thinking and coping with stress. The psychiatrist prescribed antidepressants,” Farah told Kuwait Times, adding that she was monitored for side effects and had regular check-ins to adjust the dosage if necessary. On the other hand, Farah practiced good sleep habits - like going to bed and waking up at the same time every day, creating a restful environment, and avoiding screens before bedtime. "I kept a journal to track my mood, noting down any triggers or patterns. This helped me and my therapist to identify what strategies were working,” she added.