[The Korea Daily-USC: Healing California Project]
Depression is a ‘Cold of the heart’. It can affect anyone. It does not discriminate between rich and poor, gender, or age. It is not something to be ashamed of or a weakness to hide in a modern society where stress is prevalent. Those who have overcome depression say that “the mind can be healed,” and they urge us not to remain in denial. Psychiatrists emphasize that the more “thinking” you are, the more effective counseling and other treatments will be. The Korea Daily asked the expert how to overcome depression.
“If you feel that life is meaningless, you feel sad all the time, and you have thoughts of dying for more than two weeks, then you are experiencing severe depression. The key is to combine professional counseling and medication,” explains Dr. Jasung Kim, a psychiatrist based in LA Koreatown.
He highly recommends counseling and treatment for depression, noting that when it persists, basic physiological functions like sleep and eating are affected, leading to irrational judgment and an increased risk of extreme behavior.
According to Dr. Kim, an initial depression consultation involves a comprehensive assessment of the patient’s significant life events. Then, like a good coach, the psychiatrist develops a behavioral therapy plan to help the patient find solutions and instill hope. “At this point, the light of hope is turned on for the patient,” said Dr. Kim.
He emphasized that patients with severe depression need a combination of medication and counseling to improve their physiological symptoms.
“Firstly, the physiological symptoms need to improve quickly to make psychological treatment possible,” stated Dr. Kim. “With medication, you start sleeping better, your appetite returns, and you feel energized. This reduces anxiety and provides the mental energy needed to cope with stress,” he explained.
After the initial consultation, patients are prescribed medication for about two weeks to improve their physiological state, including insomnia and loss of appetite. Subsequently, patients receive lifestyle advice to aid in overcoming depression.
“Once the physiological condition improves, patients can reassess major stressors in their lives,” Dr. Kim notes. He recommends monthly counseling sessions to help patients find hope, noting significant improvements.
Treatment for depression can last four to six months for first-time patients and six to eight months for those with recurring depression. Recurrent patients may need to continue medication longer, depending on whether they are exercising, quitting alcohol and tobacco, overcoming substance abuse, and rebuilding social relationships.
“The earlier cancer is detected and treated, the better the chances of recovery,” Dr. Kim points out. Similarly, it’s crucial to start treating depression early.
▶Inquiries: (213)797-5953
BY HYOUNGJAE KIM, JUNHAN PARK [kim.ian@koreadaily.com]
