A few months ago, I published a column from a woman who was dissatisfied with her life. I received a reply from a man whose wife had committed suicide because of depression.
He saw much of his wife in that woman’s letter, and he was concerned I hadn’t directed her to the proper help. This prompted me to readdress the issue of dealing with depression, especially in rural areas.
The desire or decision by someone to end her life is often hidden from those close to them. If a person makes any reference to life not worth living, or seems to be getting her affairs in order, get her to a doctor as soon as possible. This is even more urgent if the person doesn’t have close loving family members active in their life. Separation or bereavement can trigger suicidal ideas in many depressed people.
Read Also
Stock dogs show off herding skills at Ag in Motion
Stock dogs draw a crowd at Ag in Motion. Border collies and other herding breeds are well known for the work they do on the farm.
People are reluctant to reach out for help. They want to be self-sufficient. That is fine if they can, but dangerous if they can’t.
Many don’t want to take medications. The first, early antidepressants often had sedative side effects. People didn’t want to be sedated when they were already depressed, so were reluctant to take medications.
Newer and better antidepressants are now available that avoid that problem.
Each person tends to have her own unique reaction to anti-depressants. Family physicians and psychiatrists may tell their patients to phone them if they have any problem with side effects, or if the depression worsens. Unfortunately, because of the nature of depression people have less energy and motivation, and such patients have a harder time reaching out if it gets worse.
Medicine is a team effort within any hospital. It also needs to be a team effort in the community. Whether a patient only calls in to tell the doctor’s nurse or receptionist that he or she is doing fine, knowing that the news is good is important.
Thankfully most rural areas now have visiting mental health counsellors or nurses, who need to work closely with family physicians to be effective.
Equally, anyone who thinks that a depressed person is getting worse needs to contact the doctor or community mental health worker to let them know. The professional cannot share any information about the patient, due to confidentiality, but family and community members can share information about someone who may be receiving mental health services as part of their caring and concern.
Peter Griffiths is a mental health counsellor based in Prince Albert, Sask. His columns are intended as general advice only. His website is www3.sk.sympatico.ca/petecope.
