Here are questions from readers that were addressed by leading psychiatrist Dr Manish Bajpayee. The identities of the solution-seekers have been withheld to protect their privacy.
Dear Doctor, I am a journalist and I have been in this profession for quite a few years now. Being in this profession, I am obviously exposed to many stories of death, tragedy, rape and other such incidents. I’m afraid that I am becoming more and more insensitive to all of this and numb to other people’s pain. I am afraid that if something tragic happens to a loved one, I will be of no emotional help and support at all. Please guide me through this. It worries me.
Yes, I do understand your problem. Media coverage of such incidents indeed is done in such a way that people do become numb to catastrophe or any misfortune the occurs. This similarly happens to doctors, soldiers, police officers and people involved in special forces. Unfortunately, this is an occupational hazard. And it is a fact that you become cold, cynical and unfeeling towards tragedy. What you need to do is take a break. Do something invigorating! Engage in something wherein the substance of life re-emerges and gives you a sense of purpose. It is necessary for you to get away from everything and be somewhere pleasant. Being around children especially is known to invigorate happiness in people!
I am 21 years’ old and I have a history of drug abuse in my family. I have never used drugs but I am afraid that I might follow suit and succumb to it. I have seen my family members suffer through it and recover with much difficulty and loss. I do not want to go through the same thing. But there are times when I feel very disconnected from society and I need some sort of an escape. I will be really grateful if you could help me stay focused and resilient.
Escape from life is certainly difficult. Instead of drugs, why don’t you put yourself into building a hobby? Try out painting, yoga, writing! These are things that will make you feel happy and will even give you an internalised ‘high’. The fact that you have a history of drug abuse in your family makes you all the more susceptible to it. You need to find your own healthy drug. Find something you’re passionate about and make it a healthy addiction. It will enhance you creatively and even as a person.
My father retired a year ago from his teaching profession. He was always a high energy person and used to motivate and take part in every little activity with much gusto. However, for the past three months he has changed completely and doesn’t mingle with anyone, so much so that he’s always sitting in his room. He looks very sullen and depressed. I got him checked by a senior physician and a counsellor. They have termed his problem as Andropause and told me that it’s male menopause and this is quite normal. While he has been given medication, it hasn’t helped. He isn’t keen on continuing medicines either. I also feel, he has it in him to stop medication and bounce back to enjoy his retirement. What do you suggest doctor? Is it possible to consult you in person? Please help.
Yes, you can definitely get in touch with me by sending an email to the address given below. Now, as for your father, Andropause has other symptoms too like low sex drive, thinning of hair, increase in fatigue and reduction of muscles that turns into fat. There is also something known as post retirement blues. You have a job and you work your whole life and then suddenly one day you don’t! In this case, people become irritable and adrift. They start loathing themselves. So, it is very important for your father to continue engaging with life. If he is willing, then he should get back to work. It could be anything. He could do something new altogether or go back to teaching. If he is active and healthy then only will he be happy and energetic. Retirement doesn’t mean that it’s the end. Please do feel free to consult me.
I have been talking in my sleep now for over a year. I also have very lucid and scary dreams from time to time. A psychiatrist did put me on an anti-anxiety drug but it doesn’t seem to have helped at all. I still have these disturbances every night and this is now greatly hindering my work and life. Kindly advise me.
This could firstly be a sign of depression. Depression has a short latency period and lucid dreaming is a part of it. Lucid dreaming commonly occurs when you are in the REM (Rapid Eye Movement) stage of sleep. Secondly, it could also be a behavior disorder in sleep. If it is hindering you professionally then it can be a problem. If your medication isn’t working, then maybe you should check with your psychiatrist about the dosage. Don’t worry, stay calm and be patient. These things do take their time.
Dr Manish Bajpayee is a consultant psychiatrist in Pune with over 20 years of extensive clinical experience in assessing and treating clients with a range of psychological problems and other mental health related issues. He is currently a consultant with Inamdar Hospital and Ruby Hall Clinic. You can send your questions at editorial@pune365.com
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