HomeAnswersPsychiatrydepressionMy depression-related issues are impacting my life. Kindly help.

What are the effective solutions for depression-related problems in a 19-year-old?

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The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

Medically reviewed by

iCliniq medical review team

Published At March 19, 2024
Reviewed AtMarch 19, 2024

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I am a 19-year-old guy. I have a history of mental issues, specifically depression in my teens and preteens. I also have autism and ADHD. I am not mentioning this because I currently have real issues with them anymore, but just to provide a fuller picture. The previous history related to the current medical complaint indicates that it used to occur more frequently, but it has become less common recently due to the absence of depressive episodes. Generally, I am doing really well and am proud of myself for living a great life. I have almost everything going for me, and not much in life is holding me back. Emphasis on 'almost,' though; otherwise, I would not feel the need to reach out to you. I am writing this in a sort of shock. I have just had a pretty horrible day. Nothing felt right. I felt trapped in my skin, experiencing everything as very rough (I am picturing a desert, barren and unforgiving), and I felt like an island, detached from everyone and unable to swim back. It is shocking because everything was so good up until now, and I do not logically have any reason to react this way. The day felt weird from the get-go, although there was not anything unusual about it. It was just a normal day. I slept for 7 hours, ate breakfast, went to work, but everything was just in a haze of confusion, if you can understand that. It is like I am in a movie, and someone threw a flashbang at me, almost that effect (though milder). The worst thing is that I started the day with this feeling.

I struggled with it so much that I canceled all my plans with friends after work. I just could not bear interacting with people. I still really cannot. Typing is fine, but I cannot communicate with tone anymore. Everything I say sounds so devoid of emotion that I would rather just not talk, to be honest. I genuinely feel like I am trapped in my body right now, and it is incredibly frustrating. I have had this before, but I thought it was a part of my depression that I used to have. I do not always feel fully happy now, but I am not depressed, far from it. I am currently taking acne medications, specifically Isotretinoin, and no other medications. So, my question is: any chance you can tell me what this is? Should I seek professional help for this?

Hello,

I am glad you chose icliniq for your medical-related queries.

I understand your situation and concerns. Yes, you are right; you are experiencing a relapse of your depression, which is a common symptom. Non-pharmacological management strategies are available for your depression. Consider following the guidelines below to help deal with it:

  1. Engage in daily exercises for 30 to 45 minutes, such as going for a walk; it will uplift your mood.
  2. Practice meditation for 20 minutes daily. Sit in a comfortable position, concentrate on your normal breathing, and let your thoughts flow without forcing them to stop; it will help you relax.
  3. Consume healthy, home-cooked foods, and avoid junk foods.
  4. Ensure you drink enough water.
  5. Spend quality time with friends and family daily, or engage in video calls if you are living away from your family.
  6. Devote time to creative hobbies like reading good books, writing journals, painting, drawing, and learning new skills, languages, or musical instruments.
  7. Aim for 7 to 8 hours of sleep daily.
  8. Avoid tobacco, alcohol, or any substance abuse.
  9. Live your life; do not just spend it.
  10. Be bold and confident.

Consider seeking the help of your nearest psychiatrist for further assistance.

I hope this provides some guidance. Please let me know if you need any further help.

Thank you.

Investigations to be done

The investigations to be done include a complete blood count (CBC), a thyroid profile test, and assessments for vitamin B12 and vitamin D3 levels.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Vishal Anilkumar Gandhi
Dr. Vishal Anilkumar Gandhi

Psychiatry

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