What to know about Complications of Depression

A severe mental condition, depression affects millions of people globally. It goes beyond simply being depressed or having a rough day. For those suffering from depression, the impact can be severe and lasting, affecting their physical, emotional, and mental well-being. Many people recognize the common signs of depression—Ongoing fatigue, deep sadness, and loss of interest in daily activities. However, fewer realize the serious complications that can arise if depression is left untreated. It can impact every aspect of life, leading to further health challenges and difficulties. Seeking depression treatment in Dubai is essential for managing symptoms and improving overall well-being.

Here in this blog, we will talk about how depression affects physical and mental health and why it is very crucial to get treated on time.

1.  Physical Health Complications

Depression isn’t just a mental health issue—it can have serious effects on the body. Some of the commonphysical healthcomplications of untreated depression include:

• Cardiovascular Problems:– Depression has been associated with a higher risk of stroke and heart disease. Long-term stress, often linked to depression, can increase cortisol and other stress hormones, leading to inflammation, high blood pressure, and other cardiovascular problems. According to research, individuals with depression face a higher risk of experiencing heart attacks and may have worse outcomes following such events.
• Chronic Pain:- People with depression often experience unexplained physical symptoms, like headaches, muscle pain, and digestive problems. The connectionbetween depression and pain is complex, but it is believed that depression can intensify the perception of pain. Over time, this can lead to chronic conditions like fibromyalgia and arthritis becoming harder to manage.
• Gastrointestinal Issues:- Depression can also affect the digestive system, leading to symptoms such as nausea, constipation, diarrhea, and stomach cramps. There is evidence that depression can play a role in the development of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and worsen its symptoms.
• Weak Immune System:– Depression can make the immune system weak, and a person becomes more susceptible to illness and infections. The stress and negative feelings of depression may reduce the body’s resistance to illness, resulting in more colds, flu, and other serious diseases.

2.  Mental Health Complications

Depression may worsen over time if not treated and may result in other mental illnesses. Some of the most prevalent mental illness complications are:

• Anxiety Disorders:- Many people with depression also experience anxiety conditions, including panic disorder or generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). When both anxiety and depression are present, they can make each other worse. This can cause strong feelings of fear, panic, and worry, making it even harder for someone to manage day-to-day activities.
• Substance Abuse:- Depression can higher the risk of substance abuse.People with depression may turn to alcohol, drugs, or other substances as a way to numb their emotional pain. Unfortunately, this only makes their problems and can lead to addiction. Substance abuse complicates the treatment of depression in Dubai, making recovery more challenging.
• Self-Harm:- Individuals suffering from severe depression may resort to self-harm as a way to cope with their emotional distress. Because they raise the risk of severe injuries and suicide attempts, self-harming behaviors like burning or cutting can be risky coping techniques.
• Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors:- Suicide risk is one of the most dangerous side effects of untreated depression. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2022, depression is a leading cause of suicide, with more than 700,000 people dying by suicide every year.

3.  Social and Relationship Complications

Depression can take a toll on an individual’s social life and relationships, further isolatingthem from their support systems.

• Social Isolation:- Depression often cause to social withdrawal. Individuals may lose interest in socializing with friends and family, preferring to isolate themselves. This can create a cycle where the absence of social interaction worsens their feelings of lonelinessand depression, leading to further withdrawal.
• Strained Relationships:- Depression can strain relationships with loved ones. It can cause misunderstandings, irritability, and mood swings, making it difficult for others to provide the necessary support. This can lead to arguments, breakdowns in communication, and even the loss of important relationships.
• Decreased Work and Academic Performance:- Depressed individuals struggle to concentrate and lose interest in activities. This can result in poor work or school functioning, failure to meet deadlines, and a lack of ability to maintain employment. Depression can significantly affect the economy since individuals can lose their jobs or fail to complete school, leading to long-term financial issues.

4.  Long-Term Health Risks

If left untreated, depression can have serious long-term consequences for an individual’s overall health and well-being.

• Chronic Conditions:– Depression has been linked to the development of chronic health issues, including diabetes, obesity, and hypertension. These conditions are not only more likely to occur in individuals with depression, but they are also more difficult to manage due to the lack of motivation and energy that depression often brings.
• Cognitive Decline:– Long-term depression can also affect cognitive function. Individuals may experience memory problems, difficulty concentrating, and slower thinking. Over time, untreated depression can increase the risk of developing dementiaand other cognitive disorders, particularly in older adults.
• Reduced Life Expectancy:- Research suggests that individuals with untreated depression may have a reduced life expectancy due to the interplay of physical and mental health complications. The impact of chronic stress, heart disease, substance abuse, and other health issues can lead to earlier death in individuals with depression.

5.  Prevention and Treatment of Depression

The good news is that you can treat depression, and many of its complications can be avoided with timely intervention. The first step is seeking professional help from a mental health provider, such as a therapist, counsellor, or psychiatrist. Treatment options include:

• Psychotherapy: Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), interpersonal therapy, and other types of talk therapy can assist individuals in recognizing and managing their symptoms.
• Medication: Physicians can prescribe antidepressant medication to stabilize brain chemicals and relieve symptoms.
• Lifestyle Adjustments: Engaging in regular exercise, a balanced diet, and stress management techniques like mindfulness can complement other treatments. These efforts enable people to maintain their physical and mental well-being.
• Support Systems: Creating a strong network of friends, family, or support groups helps provide emotional support and reduce the risk of social isolation.

Conclusion

Depression is more than just feeling sad. Its complications can affect nearly every aspect of life, from physical health to personal relationships and long-term well-being. By understanding the complications of depression and recognizing the importance of seeking treatment in Dubai, individuals can avoid many of the severe risks associated with untreated depression. With the right care, support, and treatment, depression recovery is possible, and individuals in Dubai can lead healthy, fulfilling lives. Consulting the best psychologist in Dubai is a key step in building resilience and managing depression. With professional support, individuals can navigate their mental health journey and achieve lasting recovery.

Screen time addiction: Why its a problem and what to do

With 6.92 billion smartphone users worldwide, the likelihood of screen addiction and its adverse effects is significantly high. Screen time addiction in Dubai is becoming increasingly common, affecting mental and physical well-being. Expert guidance is available if you’re seeking the best therapist in Dubai to help overcome these challenges. Let’s delve into this blog to explore the topic further.

What Is Screen Addiction?

Screen addiction is a condition where individuals excessively use technology and develop a dependency on it. It primarily involves devices like smartphones, tablets, computers, and TVs. This condition is characterized by a persistent need to engage with these devices, even when it disrupts important daily activities and responsibilities such as work, education, or social interactions.

Screen addiction encompasses various technology-related habits, including excessive use of social media, video games, the internet, and even pornography. It can result in numerous physical and mental health issues, such as eye strain, muscle discomfort, sleep problems, anxiety, depression, and feelings of isolation.

This condition is increasingly prevalent as technology provides constant interaction and stimulation. Devices frequently deliver notifications, updates, and engaging content that are difficult to resist. These distractions activate the brain’s dopamine reward system, creating a cycle of compulsive use and dependency.

Even though the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) does not specifically recognize “screen addiction,” the following sections explore different behaviors that align with this description.

Cell Phone Addiction

Cell phone addiction, often referred to as problematic smartphone use, is a rapidly growing issue, particularly among younger individuals. It refers to a mental and behavioral dependency on the constant and compulsive use of mobile devices like smartphones and tablets. This addiction involves an uncontrollable urge to check or use one’s phone or other smart devices, even when it disrupts daily routines or leads to adverse effects.

Smart device addiction can manifest in several ways, such as:

• Constantly checking for new notifications.
• Feeling anxious or unsettled when unable to access the phone.
• Choosing to overlook family and friends during social interactions.

More severe instances include using a phone in inappropriate or dangerous settings, such as during work meetings or while driving. Like other forms of addiction, dependency on smartphones and similar devices can harm mental well-being, damage relationships, and reduce overall productivity.

Internet Addiction

Internet addiction, also called problematic internet use, is a form of screen addiction. It is characterized by the excessive and habitual use of the internet, which interferes with one’s daily activities and leads to adverse effects.

The adverse effects can manifest as anxiety, depression, isolation, and poor or reduced performance at school or work.

Internet addiction comes in many manifestations, such as:

• Excessive use of social media
• Uncontrollable, compulsive online shopping
• Addiction in gambling

Gaming Addiction

The DSM-5 calls video game addiction “internet gaming disorder.” This means people play video games too much and have problems because of it.

People who are addicted to gaming might pick playing video games instead of doing important things like work, school, or spending time with friends.

Those addicted to gaming may get angry or upset if someone criticizes their gaming or if they cannot play games.

They will continue playing chronically regardless of the negative effects on their own lives or those of others around them.

How Much Screen Time Is Too Much?

The American Optometric Association (AOA) discovered that individuals who use screens for two or more hours a day are at the highest risk of developing computer vision syndrome, a common side effect of screen addiction, especially with prolonged screen time.

This is concerning because the AOA also reported that many individuals spend up to seven hours a day staring at screens for work. When you add the four to six hours of personal screen time—mostly on phones—nearly half the day is spent in front of a screen.

While some of this screen time is productive, excessive recreational use, such as playing video games, scrolling through social media, using dating apps, or watching entertainment, can lead to screen addiction and negatively affect both physical and mental well-being.

Physical Effects

The most noticeable physical issue related to screen usage is the significant stress it puts on the eyes. Digital eye strain and computer vision syndrome affect 50% to 90% of computer users daily.

The symptoms of computer vision syndrome and digital eye strain include:

• Blurred vision
• Dry eyes
• Headaches
• Double vision
• Neck and shoulder pain

While most of these symptoms subside once screen use is reduced, prolonged eye strain can result in permanent vision impairment. Our therapist in Dubai can help you manage screen addiction and its effects on your health.

Physiological And Mental Effects

Screen addiction can suppress both physiological and psychological effects, ranging from insomnia to stress and depression.

Depression

Depression is the most prevalent mental disorder linked to screen addiction. According to Preventative Medicine Reports (2020), increased screen time links to a higher risk of moderate to severe depression, especially in women. The researchers found that for those who use screens for at least four hours a day, the risk of depression is higher.

Insomnia

Using screens before bed can cause problems that hurt a person’s sleep quality. The blue light from devices can slow down the making of melatonin, which makes it harder to feel sleepy. Also, playing exciting games or watching thrilling shows can keep a person feeling more awake. Screen addiction makes these problems worse, as a person spends too much time on their devices and delays going to sleep.

Stress

Some people claim that screen use helps in getting time to relax and take a break from daily stress. However, the truth is that this time can cause much stress. Worrying about missing out (FOMO), feeling less good about oneself, and loneliness are some of the problems linked to screen addiction. As stated in the Journal of Medical Internet Research (2016), those who use screens for fun and social media are 19% more emotionally stressed than those using a screen for work.

How To Cut Back Screen Time

If you feel that you spend too much time on a screen or are struggling with screen addiction, our therapist in Dubai can help you find ways to reduce it.

20-20-20 Rule

According to AOA, temporary eye strain may be relieved with the 20-20-20 method. This simply refers to looking at something that is at least 20 feet away every 20 minutes. That is where one is supposed to rest his or her eyes from blue light and relax by focusing on a distant object.

Time Limits

Most studies recommend that individual screen time should be restricted to 30 minutes in order to attain maximum benefits. Considering this would be too drastic a change for most, restricting one’s screen time to an hour a day could work.

Likewise, stepping away from the screens for three to four hours can also help in forming a healthier relationship, as the notion shifts from something one feels obligated to do to viewing screen time as an activity.

Digital Detox

A digital detox can be the solution for people who think that the time they have been spending using screens has gone too far. It does not mean stopping to use screens completely but reduces the screen time spent outside of work-related screens.

Going on planned breaks or putting down the phone at bedtime can mark the beginning of altering and creating a healthier relationship with screens.

Treatment Options For Screen Addiction

According to our therapist in Dubai, treatment for screen addiction is usually a combination of behavioral therapy, support groups, and lifestyle changes.

Lifestyle Changes

Changes in lifestyle will sometimes mean fewer hours spent staring at screens and a search for alternative activities that can be engaged in during spare time, such as those with little or no use of technology. New hobbies and interests help to reduce the necessity for technology. Instead of smartphones, meeting people face-to-face is a great option. Sometimes, doctors might prescribe medicine that would treat other issues related to mental health, like depression or anxiety, which can lead a person to spend more time looking at screens. Our therapist in Dubai provide More intensive treatments for screen addiction, including:

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is one of the techniques that allow an individual to change his or her thoughts and behaviors regarding the use of screens and addiction. It may help the individual to develop new, healthy ways to cope and make habits, to identify and cope with triggers associated with the use of screens, and to learn to manage their time and energy.

Mindfulness-Based Therapy

Mindfulness-Based Therapy is a therapeutic approach that uses mindfulness techniques to help someone handle stress and anxiety, which often makes people want to use screens. Practicing mindfulness can help someone be more aware of their thoughts and feelings. This greater awareness can help people want less screen time. Our therapist in Dubai can guide you through mindfulness techniques to reduce screen addiction and manage stress.

Family Therapy

Screen addiction can have a major impact on relationships with loved ones. Family therapy can help resolve these issues by encouraging healthier communication, setting boundaries around screen use, and finding ways to support each other in reducing screen time while spending more quality time together.

Group Therapy

Group treatment provides a convenient and supportive environment for those suffering from screen addiction. In this environment, they share their problems of managing the use of screens with others who face the same problem.

Individual Psychotherapy

Individual psychotherapy may help one to understand the problems better. There could be a deeper reason for someone who spends much of their time with technology. Through individual psychotherapy, one can get through many issues deep inside one’s heart such as trauma, relationship issues, and grief.

Find Treatment For Screen Addiction

In Dubai, treatment of screen addiction is different for everyone. It is, therefore, best to see a qualified mental health professional who can handle the problems of addiction for the right course of treatment for you. Do not hesitate to contact us should you have a problem with your screen. Our therapist in Dubai, Mrs. Vidya Suzan Jose, stands ready to guide you in overcoming screen time addiction.

Influence of Dialectical Behavior Therapy: An Overview

What is Dialectical Behavior Therapy?

American psychologist Marsha Linehan developed Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) treatment in the 1970s. DBT has been specifically adapted for those who experience intense emotions. The term ‘Dialectical’ refers to integrating opposing perspectives. DBT focuses on helping individuals change unhelpful behaviors while also accepting the reality of their lives and emotions. Initially created to treat Borderline Personality Disorder, DBT is now used for individuals with severe or persistent mental health challenges.

When is DBT Used?

Dialectical Behavior Therapy is especially helpful for individuals who find it challenging to manage and regulate their emotions. Its focus on building effective emotion regulation skills has made DBT a widely used approach for various mental health conditions. DBT treatment has proven effective in managing a range of mental health issues, including:

• Personality Disorders, such as Borderline Personality Disorder
• Self-harm
• Depression
• Bulimia
• Overeating disorder
• Chronic stress disorder after trauma
• Bipolar Disorder
• Addiction
• Anxiety

Dialectical Behavior Therapy Treatment Approaches

DBT has evolved into a well-established psychotherapeutic approach with a solid empirical foundation, and therapists now use it to support individuals in addressing a variety of challenges. These are some contexts where DBT is frequently used:

• Group Therapy: Behavioral skills are taught to individuals in a group setting.
• Individual Therapy: The therapist helps the client navigate distressing emotions and learn new behavioral skills to meet each client’s unique challenges.

DBT Focuses on Acquiring and Utilizing Four Essential Skills

The goal of DBT is to help individuals live their best, most fulfilling lives. It is often used to support those dealing with emotional difficulties, Borderline Personality Disorder, addictions, eating disorders, and depression. To assist with problem-solving and coping, individuals master the following four core skill sets:

1. Mindfulness: Being able to observe yourself and your surroundings without passing judgment. You learn more about the mental and physical factors that set off irrational emotions.
2. Distress Tolerance: Learn to tolerate, accept, and let go of painful situations.
3. Emotion Regulation: Develop the ability to shift unhelpful emotional responses to constructive ones by recognizing them when they arise.
4. Interpersonal Effectiveness: Improve communication skills to enhance relationships. Learn how to express your desires and set boundaries.

Stages of DBT

Dialectical Behavior Therapy is structured into four stages:

• Stage 1: At the start of treatment, the focus is primarily on addressing the most severe and self-destructive behaviors, such as suicidal thoughts or self-harming behaviors.
• Stage 2: Treatment shifts to problems impacting quality of life, including emotion regulation and tolerating discomfort.
• Stage 3: Focus moves to issues with self-esteem and social interactions.
• Stage 4: Treatment helps individuals make the most of their lives, including strategies for enhancing happiness, maintaining relationships, and pursuing life goals.

Benefits of DBT

DBT focuses on achieving a balance between self-acceptance and change to foster meaningful improvements in individuals undergoing therapy. Providing validation plays a crucial role in this process, as it promotes collaboration and helps alleviate anxiety tied to the idea of change. Various settings, including group and individual psychotherapy, actively apply these principles of DBT.

• Change and Acceptance: Learn methods for tolerating your feelings, circumstances in life, and yourself while acquiring skills to alter behavior and social interactions.
• Behavioral: Identify harmful behavior patterns and replace them with constructive ones.
• Collaboration: DBT teaches teamwork and effective communication.
• Skill Sets: Grow your skill set by learning new abilities.
• Support: Build upon positive traits and strengths.

If managing emotions, handling stress, or navigating relationship challenges feels overwhelming, consider seeking support from Mrs. Vidya Suzan at Eclipse Specialty Clinic in Dubai, one of the best psychology clinics, to help individuals build essential life skills. Recognized as a leading clinical psychologist in the region, Mrs. Vidya Suzan brings expertise in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) treatment to help individuals build essential life skills. Her structured therapy sessions focus on mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotional regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness, offering personalized and compassionate care. Taking this step can significantly enhance your emotional health and lead to a more balanced and fulfilling life.