How can a 22-year-old overcome the symptoms of depression?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am a 22-year-old adult and for the past eight months, I am suffering from symptoms of depression like anxiety, anger, no concept of time, waking up late, do not feel it to be morning, having continuous headaches, swollen eyes, difficulty seeing, have continuous tension, feel like living in a black hole, and feel alone even if I am surrounded by people.

I am preparing for civil services but that is not the reason for my depression. I used to live as a paying guest in a house that was very old and had no light in it. It resembled a haunted house and I was the only paying guest living there with an old woman who was probably 90 years old. I felt scared and tense while living in that horror place for about two months. I started experiencing the symptoms from there and when I realized this, I left that house and came back home. But the symptoms are still the same. Neither my family understands what I am going through nor can I explain it to them. Kindly help me.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Glad to have you at icliniq.

First of all screen yourself for clinical depression. Take a self-rating test for depression like Zung's self-rating depression scale which is easily available online. If it is indicative of moderate to severe depression, then consult a psychiatrist in person for treatment in the form of medicines. Besides, certain things that can help are:

Practice meditation daily for at least half an hour in the morning.
Follow a routine and exercise regularly. Take a balanced diet rich in antioxidants and omega fatty acids.
Share your feelings with family or close friends as sharing helps with the symptoms.
Maintain a journal and note down your thoughts daily in an uncensored manner.
You can also join a self-help group either online or offline.

Remember, every problem has a solution. You just need to try solving it and help is just a step away. For medicines, you have to consult a psychiatrist in person.

Feel free to ask if you have any further queries.

Wish you healthy and happy times ahead.

Thank you.