Robin Uthappa opens up about battle with clinical depression: ‘The toughest opponent I faced wasn’t on the field, it was in my mind’

He also spoke about the need to accept and fight it. “The first thing that one needs to do is to begin the process of getting back up, figuring out your way is to acknowledge that there is something wrong. If we live in denial, it’s going to be very hard to pull yourself out of that hole. You got to acknowledge that I am not feeling great,” Uthappa said.

Sharing the video on Instagram, he wrote: “The toughest opponent I faced wasn’t on the field, it was in my mind. I’m sharing my battle with depression and suicidal thoughts to break the silence and stigma around mental health.”

He added, “Maybe a great way to do that is to pen down some notes. That’s how I figured out that something’s wrong with me.”

Taking a cue from Uthappa’s revelation, let’s learn more about clinical depression and ways to manage it.

Feeling down from time to time is a normal part of life. But, many people feel stressed, depressed, or anxious frequently, said Dr Sonal Anand, psychiatrist, Wockhardt Hospitals, Mira Road. She added that if you feel sad, empty, hopeless, irritated, frustrated, angry for no reason or over small matters, and there is a loss of interest or pleasure in daily activities, along with sleep problems, lack of energy, poor appetite, unexplained weight loss or weight gain, and suicidal thoughts, “you must schedule an appointment with a mental health professional immediately.”

Agreeing, Dr Santosh Bangar, senior consultant psychiatrist, Gleneagles Hospitals Parel Mumbai said that a thorough psychiatric evaluation is vital for diagnosing and treating depression. “Since there are taboos and stigmas associated with clinical depression, the symptoms are taken lightly, one is ashamed, and suffers in silence,” added Dr Bangar.

Do not neglect these symptoms as doing so can worsen the condition. “If you constantly feel depressed, or have a nervous breakdown then you should speak to an expert who can help you overcome the problem. No matter how hopeless you may feel, you can get better with therapy,” stressed Dr Anand.

Clinical depression is often thought of as a purely psychological or emotional condition, but in reality, it involves several physical symptoms as well, like changes in appetite, energy and sleep habits. When someone presents with such features, a clinical psychologist uses tests like Beck’s Depression Inventory or Hamilton Depression Rating Scale to assess the intensity of symptoms. “A clinical psychologist or psychiatrist can diagnose clinical depression based on these test scores, as well as a thorough interview. Questions in the interview usually focus on the duration of the condition, concerns or symptoms noticed, functionality and persistence of the features,” elaborated Dr Annie Jain, entrepreneur in residence, MindPeers. 

While everyone experiences low mood from time to time, it might be time to seek help when it persists, or even worsens, for 2 weeks or longer, urged Dr Jain. “The risk of self-harmful or suicidal thoughts increases with untreated clinical depression, and therefore if someone has been neglecting their personal hygiene, not been able to focus on work, or not sleeping well enough, it is recommended that they see a psychiatrist or clinical psychologist,” said Dr Jain. 

Clinical depression is often thought of as a purely psychological or emotional condition, but in reality, it involves several physical symptoms (Source: Freepik)

Treatment involves a combination of self-help measures, anti-depressant medications, and regular counselling sessions.

“Eating a healthy and balanced diet, avoiding alcohol, and quitting smoking can be beneficial. Writing or journaling can help manage emotional upheaval and vent out one’s emotions. Seeking a confidante or joining a support group to share thoughts with others going through similar situations can also help,” Dr Bangar told indianexpress.com.

Additionally, having a structured routine of sleep, regular exercise, and meditation or yoga is very effective. “It is vital to remain in touch with family and friends as socialisation is a useful form of therapy,” said Dr Bangar.

Dr Jain shared a guide: 

*Small steps every day to remain active

*Engaging in something pleasurable for 10-15 minutes

*Journaling about thoughts and emotions 

*Listing things you are able to do despite the low mood 

*Questioning the negative thoughts

*Reaching out to support systems

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