BMHA Understanding depression with kindness forum.

6th July, 2012- I attended a special forum organized by KL Buddhist Mental Health Association(BMHA) with the title, "Understanding Depression with Kindness." Itwas a very informative and inspiring forum, whereby Dr. Phang Cheng Kar (psychiatrist& president of BMHA) explained that depression is more than just occasionallow mood - it is a serious psychological illness! Among the main common symptoms of depression are persistent feelings of sadness with crying spells,easily tired, and lost of interest in doing things. More serious symptoms include suicidal thoughts or attempt. Dr. Phang stressed that just like physical illness,patients who have depression can use antidepressant medication to treat their depression effectively. Antidepressant is non-addictive and safe. However, effective treatment of depression should be individualized and include non-medication strategies. Thirty minutes of daily exposure to sunlight can brighten up mood.Regular exercise, (e.g. brisk walking at least 3 times a week, 30 minutes eachtime) stimulates the production of feel good chemicals in the brain. Healthy eating habit with balanced nutrition is important. Moderate coffee consumption(not more than 2-3 cup a day) may be helpful for boosting energy (provided thatyou do not have anxiety symptoms, able to tolerate coffee, and don't take it atnight). Food rich in omega fatty acids, e.g. fish, soy milk, canola oil arenourishing for the depressive brain. Counselling and more specializedpsychotherapy, (e.g. cognitive behavioural therapy - CBT) are also helpful. Friends and family support is extremely important. Dr. Phang ended his sharing by giving a meaningful quote, "If you have depression, it does not mean that you are weak - it probably means that you have been too strong for too long." It is crucial for patients with depression to 'ACCEPT' their illness with kindness and seek for professional help. This message was echoed by all the three special guests, who had experienced the dark moments of depression, and sharing their experience inthe forum. Venerable Kumara(Buddhist monk and meditation teacher from Sasanarakkha Buddhist Sanctuary)explained that, from a Buddhist perspective, the root cause of depression ismental defilements like craving and aversion. In this state, the wholesome qualities of the mind, such as confidence, energy and wisdom, are weak. Hence,it is very important to increase the wholesome qualities. In line with this,BMHA has developed"3G-Gratitude," which is card game for cultivating these beautiful qualities. The moderator, Ms. Low MiYen (clinical psychologist) then invited 3 specials guests, all Sisters who hadgone through depression to share on how they discovered their illness, cope with it, and their friends and family had supported them. The first Sister sharedthat she started off with mood swings, crying most of time and having suicidal thoughts. She was referred by her general practitioner to a psychiatrist for further assessment. She was given a set of questionnaires to answer and wentthrough a thorough interview. Both 'tests' showed that she had depression. For the second Sister,she was having negative personality since young. She had a few times committed self-injury. But due to lack of awareness, her family members did not send herfor treatment. However in 2004, when she had very strong urge to end her life,she was finally admitted to a psychiatric ward for treatment. Even though sherealized that she had repeated low moods since 15 years old, she never sought professional help. She tried to cope by reading motivational and religious books. However all were in vain. "Please get professional help early!" emphasized the Sister, who is on treatment for Bipolar Depression. Even now and then, she has unpleasant thoughts and feelings. She is aware of them and reminds herself,"I must keep myself busy in doing work, e.g. jogging and charity work. Thebad feeling will come and go eventually." Another Sister said that after learning techniques in Mindful-Gym, she is more mindful of her thoughts, able to think positively, and response wisely to problems in life. Mindful-Gym is a mindfulness based stress reduction and wellness program organized by BMHA. As for the last Sister,it began with poor concentration in doing things, lost of interest inactivities that she used to like, excessive fear without reasons, reluctance to talk, feeling moody and sad. Ms. Mi Yen explained that a lot of people cannot accept the fact that they are having depression. This is worsen by social stigma and wrong views about depression. Kindness from friends and family members is therapeutic and it facilitates acceptance. We also need to understand that acceptance is not an on-off switch - it is a gradual process.People may need to go through stages of shock or disbelieve, anger, blaming before final acceptance. Venerable Kumara added a witty remark to that, "If you cannot accept, at least accept that you cannot accept." When asked how they wish they can be supported by their friends and family, they said, "a listening ear and smiling face." Physical touch with care, e.g. holding hands,hugging, a pat on the shoulder also meana lot to them. In short, kindness,friendship, listening ears are all very meaningful to people suffering with depression; be kind to them and slowly guide them out from the darkness of depression. "People surrounding them must be kind and understanding to them. They do not choose tobe like that, e.g. lack of energy, slow in thinking, not motivated, not productive. The worst thing to tell a person with depression is, 'Why are youso lazy!?" Why do you have to do that to me?! (ignoring the fact that'laziness' is part and parcel of the illness)," reminded Dr. Phang, echoing and championing the voice of hispatients. An audience shared herown experience, "Loving ourselves does not mean that we are selfish. We must love ourselves first, then we are able to love others better. Ms Mi Yen affirmed her view by adding a comment by Ajahn Brahmavamso (Buddhist meditation monk), "When we have worked too hard and are tired of holding a bottle for so long, we should put it down, even for a few minutes; it is always easier when we take it up again - be kind to ourselves." An audience asked if a patient with depression is suitable to practice meditation. Dr. Phang said meditation is only suitable for those with mild depression. For those with severe depression(e.g. suicidal, hearing voices, extremely restless), meditation is not suitable; stabilization with medications and family support are more importantat this phase of the illness. Venerable Kumara shared that for people withmental illness, such as depression, it is better to meditate while walking, asit is easier to practise awareness that way. They can also do that in daily activities, e.g. sweeping the floor, exercising, washing. It is important thatwe do not use meditation as an avoidance strategy to run away from life problems, stressed Ven. Kumara. Another audience asked if depression is genetically inherited. Dr Phang said, "Yes," but it is not 100 percent. That is why some people with family history of depression donot get it. There are many things that we can do to influence gene expression and prevent depression. Related to that, someone asked Venerable Kumara on whether depression is due to past kamma? "If you're referring to something you did in the past life, I honestly don't know. What we experience now is a result of past conditions. We can't change that. What's important though is how we relate with what is happening now. That's the new kamma that would make all the difference. For example, if we regard depression with kindness, then that's good kamma, that is a condition for the healing of depression," commented Venerable Kumara. It is so inspiring to see several audience openly shared their journey with depression - they are socourageous! By the end of the forum, the shadows of depression were transformed into melody of kindness, hope and wisdom - it is truly wonderful. I am so grateful for the opportunity to attend this forum. Thank you. You can also view the report from the attachment or BMHA's blog. Kindly circulate this to those who may benefit from the program. All are welcome . Have a joyful day & thank you. This wellness program is brought to you by: Transforming Problems, Discovering Happiness! Mudita, Dr. Phang Cheng Kar President, BMHA BMHA Website BMHA Facebook Coming BMHA activities (subjected to law of uncertainty) Mindful-Gym Relaxation REST-Shop (June & November intake, Brickfields Maha Vihara) Talk: Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (Dr. Phang, 28/7/2012, Sentul Buddhist Temple, 8pm) Talk: Abhidhamma for Mental Health (Bro. Rob Moult, 29/9/2012, Sentul Buddhist Temple, 3pm) Talk: Neurasthenia - A Traditional Medicine Perspective (Dr. Ai Sim, 27/10/2012, Sentul Buddhist Temple, 3pm) T-Lotus S.A.D. (Stress, Anxiety & Depression) Support Group is meeting monthly & welcoming more members to benefit from the support group. - For further information, kindly contact Sis. Kim Yeok - kyyeoh_55@yahoo.com.sg A brief introduction of BMHA: Kuala Lumpur Buddhist Mental Health Association (BMHA) was established on 1/3/2010 for promoting mental health in the Buddhist community through Buddhist psychology & Buddhism-influenced psychotherapies. Objectives of BMHA: To provide guidelines on principles, standards and ethics for the practice of Buddhism-influenced Counseling and Psychotherapy. To offer opportunities for professional training and development of its members in Buddhism-influenced Counseling and Psychotherapy. To promote education and practice of Buddhism-influenced Counseling and Psychotherapy in the community. To collaborate with and support other Buddhist organizations that will benefit from Buddhism-influenced Counseling and Psychotherapy. To facilitate research related to Buddhism-influenced Counseling and Psychotherapy.