Depression and the Afghan Adult By Dr. N. Ahadyar July-Sept. 1998 Lemar-Aftaab Depression is a psychological term. It has many different meanings. It may range from a transient, momentary feeling of emotional sadness all the way to a severe disorder that profoundly affects an individual's normal functioning. In Western cultures almost everyone knows what depression is. The prevalence of depression is universal and global. It is not related to a particular race, gender, or religion. Depression is a normal human experience and it is an unavoidable part of everyday life. In Afghanistan, psychological and mental health disorders were related to philosophy and to religion. Depressed people were called dewana . When Afghans are uprooted and dispersed into different countries around the world, they experience a tremendous amount of sadness, unhappiness, and profound feelings of depression. Some attempt suicide, some experience severe family conflict and divorce, some turn to alcohol, and some to drugs. Others are rejected by their entire family and live a lonely life. But there are some who are capable of leading a normal life. Most Afghans whom I have visited and talked to have shown signs of depression. Despite their stubborness to ignore and underestimate their depression, these Afghans continue to cling to their tiredness, sleeplessness, irritability, timidity, passivity, brooding, gloom, and histrionic personality. Some Afghan adults acknowledge their depression, some avoid talking about it and try to force themselves to show a happy face, and some don't know they are depressed. I have seen husbands and wives who both look very sad and unhappy. The wife cries easily, picks on children, talks behind others relentlessly, criticizes every body, is always tired and sleepy, avoids talking to people, does not eat much or eats a lot and gains weight, and spends many hours in bed. The husband does not cry easily but he is always angry, non communicative, anxious, cannot sit still, is very critical of his children, and at times may be verbally and physically abusive. He wakes up in the middle of the night but cannot go back to sleep, is always withdrawn, does not visit relatives or go to family gatherings. These depressed Afghan adults are not at fault. For some, depression is a major side effect of the terrible war in Afghanistan. Some Afghans were deprived of their freedom, some were tortured, most were living in constant fear and horror. These Afghans came to Europe, Canada, Australia, and the United States. Some know little English and are not familiar with Western culture and value systems They may feel hopeless, worthless, insecure, inadequate, and do not derive pleasure from activities. They may feel depressed, and develop psychosomatic problems such as headaches, back pain, stomach pain, stiff neck, and any number of physical problems. The majority of Afghan adults are not aware that their depression has great impact on their children. When they are not happy and feel miserable, their children feel unhappy and miserable. I will cover child and adolescent depression in a separate article. What to do to alleviate depression: Exercise at least three times a week: Jogging, walking, swimming, and cycling. In the evening practice relaxation techniques. Make an appointment to see a therapist. The therapist should be Afghan, because regardless of how well you know English, the American therapist does not know Afghan culture and his interpretation of your feelings may not be helpful. Ask your family physician to prescribe anti depressive medication. Dr. N. Ahadyar received his doctorate degree in psychology from the University of Pennsylvania. From 1969-1971 Dr. Ahadyar was the director of Kabul University Counseling Center. He taught psychology courses at Kabul University, conducted counseling sessions with students who had emotional, marriage, and family problems, wrote a weekly column under the caption Rawaan-shenaasi Jawaanaan and wrote weekly presentations about psychology for Radio Afghanistan. Currently he is the director of clinical services in an organization outside of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Please send all comments to Dr. Ahadyar (NIALRacer@aol.com). Copyright © 1998 Aftaabzad Publications. All Rights Reserved. May not be duplicated or distributed in any form without permission.