Coping skills crucial for dealing with depression

WITH reference to the pharmaceutical company Lundbeck’s study on depression (July 31), is it is no wonder people fear being depressed in this country when the advice they are given is to go to a GP, who is trained to treat their life experiences as an illness.

Your report quoted Co Kerry GP Eamonn Shanahan, who believes doctors have the time and training to help people who have been abused, hurt, criticised, without adequate shelter, etc.

However, life experiences can lead anyone to depression and we need coping skills to deal with it. These, unfortunately, are not found at most GPs’ or psychiatrists’ surgeries.

Family life needs more support from the Government and emotional development should be part of the school curriculum.

Maybe the next time Lundbeck should do a study on why people are depressed!

Mary Maddock

Mind Freedom Ireland

European Network of Users/Survivors of Psychiatry

16 Manor Close

Thornbury Hgts

Rochestown

Cork