“Hope is never lost. You were created to love and be loved. You were meant to live life in relationship with other people, to know and be known. You need to know your story is important, and you're part of a bigger story. You need to know your life matters.”
Depression is not a sign of weakness or a negative personality. It is a major public health problem and a treatable medical condition. We believe that the root cause of all social evils is your own mental health. If you develop a sense of self-worth, hope, love and tranquility, then all other trials and tribulations will subside. It is important to know the severity of the illness that is depression. The people in Pakistan are not properly aware of its symptoms and how it can negatively affect your loved ones and the people around you. We need to alert people that they must acknowledge its symptoms and help them in the recovery process. The relentlessness of depression can be recognized by observing the following symptoms. Without treatment, the physical and emotional turmoil brought on by depression can derail careers, hobbies, and relationships. Depressed people often find it difficult to concentrate and make decisions. They turn away from previously enjoyable activities. In severe cases, depression can become life-threatening. Some of the major symptoms of depression include:
• Feelings of sadness, emptiness or unhappiness
• Angry outbursts, irritability or frustration, even over small matters
• Loss of interest or pleasure in normal activities
• Sleep disturbances, including insomnia or sleeping too much
• Tiredness and lack of energy, so that even small tasks take extra effort
• Changes in appetite — often reduced appetite and weight loss, but increased cravings for food and weight gain in some people
• Anxiety, agitation or restlessness — for example, excessive worrying, pacing, hand-wringing or an inability to sit still
• Slowed thinking, speaking or body movements
• Feelings of worthlessness or guilt, fixating on past failures or blaming yourself for things that are not your responsibility
• Trouble thinking, concentrating, making decisions and remembering things
• Frequent thoughts of death, suicidal thoughts, suicide attempts or suicide
• Unexplained physical problems, such as back pain, cramps, headaches, and digestive problems. Here is a short list of places that offer help. The Pakistan Association of Mental Health helps people at their free clinic. Walk in and ask for an appointment. Medication is also free. But I make a donation when I go to help them. http://www.pamh.org.pk/
Free Depot Line Clinic:
Room # 19, 21-23 Rehman Plaza,
90-A, Depot Lines, Karachi
021-32257245-32232423
Email: mhc@cyber.net.pk
The PAMH head office is here in Clifton, Karachi
Room # 13-Hilal-e-Ahmer House, Clifton Road, Karachi
Phone # 021-3537-6349 – 3583-1621
Fax: 021-3583-1011
Email: pamh@cyber.net.pk
The Aman Foundation has plenty of resources and a hotline just in case you can’t physically go to a doctor
http://amanfoundation.org/about-aman/the-aman-foundation/faqs/
Karwan-e-Hayat is a welfare non-government organisation active in caring for mentally ill indigent patients. It is the only NGO of its kind in Karachi, providing both outpatient as well as inpatient facilities. Over 80% of Karwan-e-Hayat’s patients are treated free of cost. Located in three convenient areas of the city, Karwan-e-Hayat is one of the largest facilities for inpatient care available in Karachi. http://keh.org.pk/
Therapy Works is an organisation that provides a number of services in Karachi
http://www.therapyworks.com.pk Phone: 0213-5870767, 0301-8258890, 0300-8259890
In Islamabad one resource is:
http://www.rozan.org/reach_us.php
Rozan
In Lahore two resources are:
http://fountainhouse.com.pk/
Fountain House or the Lahore Mental Health Association (LMHA)
http://www.pimh.gop.pk/
The Punjab Institute of Mental Health
