Most of us when down-in-the-dumps or feeling blue will try to shake off the blues just by changing tack. Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn’t. This is why people should not underestimate the seriousness of clinical depression.

If a person is under the weather and feeling gloomy and depressed they may be able to overcome it by watching a movie, working out in the gym or going for a few rounds of drinks with their pals at a nearby watering hole.

But for a significant number of Malaysians now depression is a debilitating illness that requires them to seek professional help or counsel from psychiatrists, psychologists or counselors that work in public or private hospitals or social concerns organizations.

Malaysians must be watchful and vigilant within their communities to be able to spot cases of clinical depression and refer the person to the right source of help and care. This is why being alert of people who are seriously depressed should be the responsibility of every Malaysian.

Identifying depression at the early stages is vital in bringing about a quick recovery therefore be always watchful of the signs of depression as, if left untreated, it can lead to health complications or even suicide.

While depression might be a dark phenomenon there is light at the end of the dark tunnel. Advances in developing drugs and medicines to treat depression show positive and encouraging signs together with the relevant therapies and counsel.

-THE MALAYSIA VOICE