Do you sometimes feel overwhelmed, lonely, or sad? Do you feel like you don't want to do anything, and you feel like you're bored with everything? Many of us face these experiences. But did you know that this deep sadness, a condition called depression, can sometimes lead us to do dangerous and risky things without us realizing it? This is not just limited to suicidal thoughts.
The different faces of danger
When dealing with depression, some people think, "I don't have a plan to die, but it doesn't matter if I end my life now." With this kind of thinking, the value of their own life decreases. That's when the mind turns to risky activities. Thoughts like "Who will watch me drive fast?", "What will happen if I walk alone on a dangerous road at night?" may come to mind.
Simply put, when the pain caused by depression cannot be tolerated, a person unknowingly resorts to risky behaviors, either to escape it or to show that pain to someone.
These behaviors caused by depression can be an outward expression of the person's pain. It's like a silent cry for help.
Let's see what these risky behaviors are.
| Type of risky behavior | Examples and explanation |
|---|---|
| Alcohol and drug use | Turning to alcohol or drugs as a temporary way to relieve the sadness and loneliness in your heart. Just think, there are some young people who, due to problems at home and with their friends, become addicted to these things. |
| Carelessness and impulsiveness | Drunk driving, speeding, getting into fights frequently, kicking doors, throwing things on the floor, etc. These are things that can happen when depression makes it difficult to control anger. |
| Neglecting oneself | This includes even small things like not drinking enough water or not reporting a symptom (e.g., a persistent cough) to a doctor. |
| Eating Disorders | Some people lose their appetite and stop eating because of depression. Others overeat. Some people vent their sadness by counting calories or exercising excessively. It becomes a way of venting their pain. |
How are these two related?
Now the question you may be asking is, "Does depression cause these risky behaviors, or do these behaviors cause depression?" This can be a bit like the chicken-and-egg question.
According to doctors, this is not a one-sided thing.
- Depression can lead to risky behaviors: like turning to alcohol to cope with the pain.
- Risky behaviors can cause depression: Drug addiction can cause chemical changes in the brain that can lead to depression.
- Sometimes both can occur together: perhaps both can be caused by genetic influences or environmental problems.
When two or more of these conditions coexist, we call them dual diagnoses . For example, depression and drug addiction. This condition is very dangerous . Depression can also be a major cause of overdose deaths, especially from drugs like opioids .
How to find the right treatment?
This may sound scary to you, but the good news is that depression is a very treatable condition.
But if you have another problem with depression, like substance abuse, it can be a bit harder to find the right treatment. Sometimes mental health clinics don't want to take on drug problems, and drug clinics say they can't treat mental health problems. It's like passing the ball to each other.
But remember, for the best results, it is important to treat both conditions at the same time, in the same place.
What are the treatments?
1. Medical advice and medication: The first and most important thing is to see your doctor . He will understand your condition well and prescribe medication if necessary. He will also refer you for psychological counseling.
2. Therapy: Talking to a counselor and sharing your feelings can be very helpful. Motivational interviewing is a very effective method for people with risky behaviors. Here, the counselor talks to you and helps you identify the smallest things you would like to change in your life.
3. Lifestyle changes: In addition to these things, it is also very important to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
- Exercise: Engage in some moderate exercise daily.
- Good food: Eating a nutritious diet.
- Proper sleep: Getting enough sleep.
- Social connections: Spending time with trusted friends and family.
- Things that calm the mind: Engaging in something like meditation or yoga.
Recovery is a journey.
This journey of healing is not something that happens overnight. It is like making bread. First, you feel like you are dissolving yeast in water before you ask for help. Then, the effort you put in after starting treatment is like kneading sugar and flour. It is a gradual, step-by-step journey. So give yourself time.
Important: If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health emergency, or is at risk of harming themselves, go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) immediately. If you have overdosed on any medication or poison, call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital immediately.
Take-Home Message
- Depression is not just a feeling of sadness. It is a serious medical condition that can affect your behavior.
- It can lead to risky behaviors such as unknowingly using alcohol, recklessness, and self-harm.
- If you are facing this situation, you are not alone. This is a condition that can be treated and cured very successfully.
- The most important thing you should do is see a trusted doctor and talk openly about your condition.
- Recovery is a journey. Give yourself time and understanding. Asking for help is a sign of strength.
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