コロナウイルス関連で生じるうつ気分の改善法（2）

2)  Improvement of Depression

Associated with Coronavirus (Covid-19)

Even at this moment, some people have problem falling asleep and having suicidal thoughts but don’t choose to end your life. It’s going to be alright.

Japanese government recently announced; “Quarantine yourself at home. We have 100,000yen cash hand out program for you.” Don’t be dumb. It's not their money but it’s the money of all citizen in Japan paid for including the ones now suffering and thinking of dying. Those who are struggling might go to see psychiatrists today or tomorrow. I’d like to emphasize the following sentences. If you go to a dentist because you have pain in your tooth, dentist give you pain killer for a few days. Yet, people with depression will be suggested to take medications because of your shortage of the neurotransmitter serotonin in the brain by someone who treat you (psychiatrist, phycologist, psychiatric social worker and social worker). Seriously, has anyone ever seen a serotonin substance? Has anyone ever seen a measuring machine for serotonin? Which hospital in Japan have such a measuring equipment? I wonder how they can say such thing to the people who’s been struggling even having suicidal thoughts. Lots of medical staff in the world are now taking risks and putting their effort to treat those who have been infected with COVID-19. So many people are dying from it. Meanwhile, more people are dying from depression. Those who have passed away with Covid-19 and those who have passed away with depression, are same human life. It is important that we take it more seriously about this situation as well.

(2) A few ways to stop suicidal thoughts

Many people find it’s tiring to live in a crowd every day. Perhaps there is a time when you want to be alone. Sometimes, you want to experience a sense of loneliness such as going to the mountains, rivers, ocean on holidays to feel the air of nature and heal your Kokoro (mind). A sense of loneliness is enjoying your own time as well as having social life.

On the other hand, social isolation is a different thing. Many people are facing problems such as financial difficulty of your company, dismissal from the workplace, pay cuts, and inability to support family members. At a time like this, you need to talk to someone, but sometimes you have no one to talk to. Then, you no longer feel lonely, but social isolation since interpersonal relationships have cease. Isolation causes fear in your Kokoro. When this fear comes in, you will not only have sleeping disorders but start having suicidal thoughts. Many people are afraid of even thinking about dying, but having this state of mind coming from isolation surpass the fear of death. Then, they kill themselves because they are scared, frightened, and intolerable. We have to stop suicide. We have to stop the pain in Kokoro. Self-quarantine means that you will not engage contact with someone you live with. The basis of suicide prevention is not to be alone. And don’t let someone be alone. Suicide can be prevented. Anyone could help release depressive mood even if you’re not psychiatrists or even you’re not a family member. As mentioned earlier, people get isolated when there’s no one to be relied upon when struggling. Someone can support them gently so they can prevent being socially isolated. If your partner is in difficult situation, you could go buy some flowers or cakes or something they like and reach out to them and tell them with your gratitude;

"I’ve always appreciated your support. I can’t thank you enough."

"You look tired now, and now I'm going to support you with all my heart."

"Don’t go through by yourself because you have me. Let's work things out together."

"I'm here for you. You’re not alone in this. Let’s do this together."

The important thing is to tell them from your heart, and it prevents them from being and feeling isolated. Then, feeling alone or isolated will disappear with your support. If the feeling of isolation disappears, the fear in Kokoro also disappears. Then, they will not choose to die.  Anyone could help them such as your parents, siblings, and even next-door neighbors.

Even at this moment, there’re some people who decide to take their own lives. This is beyond Coronavirus fuss. More and more people are becoming desperate and choose to end their lives. Again, depression is not a disease. Primary cause of severe depressive mood comes from interpersonal relationship. Creating stories in your head makes you suffer by anticipation. If you talk to someone about your pain, you will feel better. Yet, sometimes your pride keeps you from being honest. Try to be brave and talk to someone about your feelings.
 
If you’re reading this now, you could also help them feel better and prevent them from self-destruction. In order to do so, you need become a good listener and tell them to get through this crisis together.

Written by Sagara Gorou, Organizer of Sagara Therapy

(Email) sagaraki@maple.ocn.ne.jp