Karim Easterbrook
k.easterbrook@yahoo.com
Despite breathtaking advances in medical science, the brain remains a labyrinthine mystery. With its 87 billion neurons, each boasting ten thousand synaptic connections, the brain's complexity is nothing short of awe-inspiring.
This complexity is starkly illustrated by the historical case of Phineas Gage who, in 1848 in the US, survived a catastrophic brain injury when a tamping iron used in mining to insert explosive into rock shot through his skull.
This gruesome accident radically altered his personality, mood and behaviour, underscoring the profound impact brain injuries can have on identity and mood.
Before his accident, Gage was a respected, happy and capable foreman. Afterward, his personality was so transformed that he could no longer hold his job. “Gage was no longer Gage.” His case was groundbreaking in demonstrating the intricate link between brain function, mood and behaviour.
For most of my adult life, I have suffered from clinical depression and for those who share this arduous journey suffering from clinical depression, the havoc it wreaks on personal lives and relationships is all too familiar.
Unfortunately, those fortunate enough to remain untouched by this insidious illness often mistake it for mere sadness, akin to that following a failed relationship or a financial setback. They often seem to regard it as a life choice and believe with more strength of character you could and should pull yourself together.
Unlike these fleeting sorrows, clinical depression doesn’t have a clear cause-and-effect, a fact often misunderstood by those who try to "cheer up" sufferers with reminders of their blessings - a nice home, a loving family, good health. These well-meaning gestures, though sincere, reveal a profound misunderstanding of the illness.
Imagine lying in agony with a broken leg, only to be told to count your blessings as a remedy. It's a ludicrous notion, yet this is precisely how society often approaches depression. The term "mental" illness can be misleading, suggesting a divide from physical ailments, when in reality the brain is as integral to our physical being as any other organ.
When it falters due to illness or injury, it demands treatment just like a broken leg - often with medications like antidepressants, akin to pain relief for other physical injuries.
Unfortunately, stigma surrounding brain-related illnesses stubbornly persists. It is crucial to understand that while depression's symptoms may differ from other physical ailments like a broken leg, both demand appropriate medical treatment. Therapy and antidepressants can be as crucial for depression as morphine and a cast are for a broken leg.
Judgemental views of those with “mental” illnesses stem from a lack of understanding. By bringing these conditions into the open, we can shatter the stigma and foster a more informed perspective. This is why I often share my own experience with clinical depression with others knowing that it may help fellow sufferers to realise it is nothing to be ashamed of and doesn’t mean you have a weak character.
It is imperative to recognise that depression, like any other physical illness, is a legitimate medical condition deserving of empathy and proper care. It is time to put aside any social prejudices and create a future where illnesses of the brain are treated with the same urgency and compassion as any other physical ailment.
Oman is quickly becoming more industrialised, consequently, people often feel pushed into high-pressure jobs. This can lead to more mental health issues like depression. The fast-paced and competitive work environment is all about getting things done on time and being successful, but sometimes that comes at the cost of personal well-being.
The stress to perform well, long hours and the blur between work and personal life can cause ongoing stress and burnout. As everyone tries to keep up with these demands, any lack of mental health support and any stigma around mental illness can make illnesses like depression even more common.
It’s important to find a balance in industrialisation that takes care of mental health just as much as economic growth.
The writer is a former Cambridge School Principal and an Interview Skills Advisor
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