One’s decision to opt for professional counselling session is not one’s weakness but a sign of absolute strength. Depression is a neurological disease that brings in structural changes in brain. The trigger for depression setting in can be certain life event or circumstances. An individual may turn to intake of drugs/alcohol etc to cope with stress and end up getting addicted. One’s endeavour must be to express and discuss one’s worries or inimical thoughts like time to end life, with someone trust worthy for sense of relief. One’s family members and well wishers need to develop a rapport. They must have clear, consistent, firm dialogue without being critical & harsh to help one see how it is impacting the life and goals. Exercise, yoga, meditation all help to reduce stress and act as mood elevators. Pets do help in coping & reducing stress because relationships with pets are less complicated than those with humans and are often a source of great enjoyment.

Anmol Singh-Psychologist & Counselor, Chandigarh