WORLD HEALTH DAY
APRIL 7TH, 2017
Depression affects people of all ages, from all walks of life, in all countries. It causes mental anguish and impacts on people’s ability to carry out even the simplest everyday tasks, with sometimes devastating consequences for relationships with family and friends and the ability to earn a living. At worst, depression can lead to suicide, now the second leading cause of death among 15-29-year olds.
Yet, depression can be prevented and treated. A better understanding of what depression is, and how it can be prevented and treated, will help reduce the stigma associated with the condition, and lead to more people seeking help
What is depression?
Depression is an illness characterized by persistent sadness and a loss of interest in activities that you normally enjoy, accompanied by an inability to carry out daily activities, for at least two weeks. In addition, people with depression normally have several of the following symptoms: a loss of energy; a change in appetite; sleeping more or less; anxiety; reduced concentration; indecisiveness; restlessness; feelings of worthlessness, guilt, or hopelessness; and thoughts of self-harm or suicide.
Source- WHO
I am entering my 23rd year of treating patients. During this
period, I have had the privilege of a having a front row seat in their lives.
In the relationships created with them, I am often humbled by what they share
with me.
I practice with the belief that our mind-body and spirit are connected.
There is no way for me to be able to provide good dental care to my patients
without taking this fundamental integration and connection into account.
In addition to my commitment to continuous learning in the field
of dentistry and dental sleep medicine, I believe that it is also my
responsibility to make sure that I grow and remain open to listening to what my
patients are saying to me. But even more importantly, to be curious of what
they are not saying and try to read between the lines of their silence.
I would like to share what I have found to be a pattern in my
practice that has revealed itself over the last many years.
1.
More
patients seem stressed out today than when I started in 1994
2.
More
patients seem to be on medications for depression and anxiety, including young
teens and adults
3.
Many
admit to suffering from depression and anxiety when asked that question during
a routine medical history review.
4.
More
however, do not admit to being depressed or anxious , despite obvious
presenting signs and symptoms of the
condition
5.
This
is true of all age groups that I see in my general practice, including very
young children, teens and young adults
6.
Many
patients feel that depression is an un-treatable disease and have accepted that
they will never feel whole again. Others don’t even remember the last time they
felt energized, hopeful and experienced any joy
Reports indicate that more people in the US see their dentist at
least once a year than those visiting a primary care physician. They may not even have a
PCP of record. So in addition to the implications listed below, our
responsibility to screen for depression and the state of a patients mind health
is critically important as we may be the only health care professional they see during the year.
1.
More
patients are overwhelmed and find it challenging to find time for their appointments due to very
hectic schedules. Missed or unscheduled appointments compromise their health
and well being.
2.
Delayed
or postponed treatment ends up potentially costing patients more time, money
and energy in the long run in addition to being the number one reason for
patients experiencing painful or life threatening emergencies
3.
Patients
exhibit poor conditions orally due to lack of focused effort in their home care
when depressed or anxious
4.
Poor oral
hygiene leads to bleeding gums. Bleeding gums are a sign of inflammation as
healthy gums don’t bleed
5.
Oral
inflammation enters the systemic system. Inflammation has been validated as the
starting point of many systemic diseases.
6.
Depression
itself has been shown to cause inflammation in the body.
7.
Medications
for depression may cause higher occurrence of bruxism (tooth grinding causing wear,
broken teeth, sensitivity, etc. ) and a dry mouth (leading to decay)
8.
Depression
is associated with many sleep disorders
9.
Lack
of sleep due to a sleep disorder may cause depression
So at 229 Charles Street, we discuss depression as we do hypertension, cancer, diabetes or any other disease of the body that affects
our patients.
It is part of our medical history review. We raise awareness of
the prevalence of this disorder that is the leading cause of disability in the
world. We educate our patients about the many ways that depression and anxiety
affect our health and well being and how we are robbed of an optimal life when we
suffer in silence.
I invite you to join me in celebrating World Health Day this
Friday and work together to support the millions of people suffering from this
disease.
Let’s talk!
Go onto the WHO website and learn more about Depression. Find out
how you can help.
If you suspect you may be affected by anxiety and depression,
get help.
Ask the 5 most important people in your life how they are feeling.
Encourage them to seek help if they exhibit signs of depression and anxiety.
Allow your conversations with others to go beyond monologues
taking turns to be heard. Listen with your heart. Be present. Be supportive and
encouraging.
I know that all pillars of health stand on the foundation of mind
health so am committed to doing whatever I can do bring attention to the
importance of this foundation being sound and integrated .The price that we pay
when it’s not is unacceptable to me- for myself, my family, my patients and the
rest of humanity.
Until next time,
Be well, Do well, Live well
Sunita
Treating disease- Promoting well being -Inspiring
Optimal Living
