INFORMAL LETTER: DEPRESSION

                                                                                     Siti Hazimah Binti Kamaruzaman

                                                                                     JK 16 Batu 3, Jalan Tampin,

                                                                                     72000, Kuala Pilah,

                                                                                     Negeri Sembilan.

                                                                 

                                                                                     17 August 2011.

Dear Seri,

       I am sorry only now I can reply your letter. I had read your letter. Seri, you had a big problem my dear friend. I feel sorry for you. I only can give you an advice and encourage you. So, you can face it effectively. In your letter, you said you always sad and moody right? It is okay to be moody once in a while. You also said you have lack of interest in life activities, loss of weight, loss of appetite and loss of sleep right? Do you know that are the primary symptoms of depression. My friend, you need to help yourself before anybody help you. You do not have to worry my friend. This is because depression is a medical condition that is treatable.  

       Seri, for your information the physical and emotional problems in depressed people can upset their day-to-day activities, careers, interest and personal relationship. They are also highly prone to suicidal tendencies and often talk to death when they had faced it for a long time. Sometimes, depression is universal but in serious cases genetics and family history play a role. As we know there are studies that show women are more prone to depression than men. Scientifically, depression is believed to be caused by an imbalance in the brain chemical called neurotransmitter.

       I have suggestion for you to handle it my dear. You just take it easy okay. First, you must practice to exercise everyday or at least three times a week. Exercising is a Time-tested method to beat stress. Scientifically, while exercising, endorphins are produced which is good antidote for depression. Exercising also enhances your self esteem. For your information, moderate activity is known to lower stress and produce sleep. So, you must try to moderate your activity. With that you will get enough sleep and rest needed by your body. Lastly, you can think positively and efficiently the way you can do to handle your problem.

       Besides that, to handle your depression, you can keep pets. Keeping pets one of the most effective ways to handle depression. By keep pets, you can counter loneliness and depression. Seri, to encounter your problem, you must be a social person. In my opinion, depressed people are always not lonely but lonely people tend to be depressed. You must ensure you network with people and stay in touch with friends and family.

       Seri, this is my last suggestion for you. If you had tried several ways and you still cannot handle it and your problem becomes worse, this is the last way I suggested. Now, if you search internet, there is one pace maker for depression treatment. That is Vagus or nerve stimulation. It cans resistant depression. From internet, I know that this device sends electrical impulses to the brain and stimulates the Vagus nerve. This produces the feel-good chemical and eases the patient’s depression.

     Seri, I hope my suggestion can help you settle your problem. I hope you will settle it soon and start new life happily. That’s my entire letter today. I hope you will write to me soon. Lastly, you must forget and take the lesson from the past and turn over a new leaf.

Yours Sincerely,

SITI HAZIMAH BT KAMARUZAMAN