A Silent Killer

Depression – A Silent Killer

A man suffering from depression see a doctor for help. The story continues that the doctor, after making a careful examination, said: “You need recreation; go listen to the comedian Grimaldi;. it will make you laugh, and that you will be better than any drug “With yet more despondent air, the man replied:” I am Grimaldi! “

Robin Williams struggled for years with depression. Only very close to him knew how hard it was to catch the last battle of the day-to-day against this silent enemy hoping to finally win the war.

Both cases confirm at least two very important factors: first, no one is immune to depression or even those who by profession make others laugh and feel good; Second, each case deserves attention from an expert and there are no easy recipes.

A few years ago a co-worker who was always with a smile and was very much fun when he was working with clients as well as during training in the classroom, “surprisingly” commit suicide. Remember talking with him a few days before that fateful event. I did not notice anything, only later came to understand that he had already sent several ‘signs’ through ‘status’ in social and MSN / Skype networks. Actually, any close friend or relative had not seen such ‘signs’. It was a shock to everyone. If anyone had noticed and sought help maybe this tragedy had not occurred. Thinking about it, analyze yourself and also look around for your family (including small children and teenagers) and friends, the following symptoms are typical of those who are facing the “Silent Killer” aka Depression:

– Sudden change in mood and behavior.
– Social isolation.
– Diminished interest in almost all activities.
– Notable change in eating habits.
– Sleep problems.
– Drop in academic and/or job performance.
– Risky or self-destructive acts.
– Feelings of worthlessness or inappropriate guilt.
– Psychosomatic problems.
– Recurring thoughts of death or suicide.

There are many treatments for depression, which vary depending on the symptoms and severity of disease. If you or someone you know has symptoms like those mentioned here then seek a reliable source of help. It is normal when someone feels constant stomach pains or recurrent back pain, seek medical specialist for evaluation and treatment. Why would it be different with the mental and emotional pain?

Now, an interesting fact: a high competition in the work’s environment followed by disappointments has been mentioned as a trigger to open the door to the Silent Killer. So just for a moment, let’s relax and listen a good music (hey, remember it’s not an easy recipe) and meditate a little about what the lyric says:

Peace of Mind – Boston http://youtu.be/OaR2JeqxQDY
(Watch the video).

Now if you’re feelin’ kinda low ’bout the dues you’ve been payin’ Future’s comin’ much too slow
And you wanna run but somehow you keep on stayin’
Can’t decide on which way to go
I understand about indecision
But I don’t care if I get behind
People living in competition
All I want is to have my peace of mind
Now you’re climbing to the top of the company ladder
Hope it doesn’t take too long
Can’t you see there’ll come a day when it won’t matter
Come a day when you’ll be gone
Take a look ahead
Take a look ahead Yea,yea,yea, yea
Well everybody’s got advice they just keep on givin’
Doesn’t mean too much to me
Lots of people have to make believe they’re livin’
Can’t decide who they should be
Take a look ahead
Take a look ahead Yea,yea,yea, yea
Look ahead!

How much are you willing to pay for peace of mind?

Author: Alexandre Marins Augusto
E-mail: writer@alemarins.com