It is a frightening fact that around a fifth of all South Africans will experience a depressive disorder at least once during their lifetime. It is even more worrying that more than sixty percent will not get the necessary help thetas needed (Health24, 2018). Depression is defined as an intense sadness, dejection, or a sense of doom distinguished from grief (Physio-pedia, n.d.). Depression is part of the wider category of Major Depressive Disorders which are characterized by a single isolated episode lasting weeks to months (Physio-pedia, n.d.). Major depressive disorders are viewed as an adjustment disorder which occurs due to external factors such as stress, trauma or loss (Physio-pedia, n.d.).
In my last block I had a severely depressed patient that did not have the motivation or the “want” to get better. Everyday lead to a harder and harder fight to get this patient to perform the necessary exercises that were needed for her condition. Physiotherapy sessions were often long and tiring, and draining for me as I was tested on an emotional and physical level trying to treat this patient as well as constantly encouraging. I often finished sessions irritated and annoyed with the patient as I felt as though she did not care, so why was I wasting my time with her if she clearly had no will to reach a higher quality of life. Many times I would lose my patience and snap a moody response to the patient rather than to try and understand how she felt and why she was feeling so despondent.
In dealing with this patient on a regular basis I needed to be empathetic towards her and her condition, as well as trying to actively understand depression and the role it plays in the health and motivation of the patient. Empathy is, at its simplest, the awareness of others and their feelings and emotions, furthermore it is a link between ourselves and others as if we were feeling it ourselves (“What is Empathy?”, 2011). I needed to try to understand that her depression could severely decrease her motivational levels, and her drive to improve and better herself. I also needed to do research into how I could manipulate and change my attitude and approach to my physiotherapy sessions with her. Furthermore I need to accommodate changing or implementing new techniques into my sessions that could help her become more motivated and more likely to adhere to treatment.Different techniques I research were techniques such as Motivational Interviewing, and the self-determination theory, in which the patient is given more of a say in treatment sessions and asked what goals they want to set, and how to achieve these goals. In addition the patient is asked to verbally confirm the goals that she set out in order to improve self-responsibility and drive to complete goals that she herself had set out to achieve (Vancampfort, et al., 2009).
In the future I need to try and understand my patients conditions and sub-conditions, in order to give them the best possible treatment. In understanding and being empathetic towards patients and their struggles and therefore not getting as irritated as this will only serve to make the sessions more difficult than they already are. I also need to make sure that I understand the patients sub-conditions so that I can manipulate and change my treatment in order to accommodate them.
References:
What is Empathy? (2011). Retrieved from https://www.skillsyouneed.com/ips/empathy.html
Depression. (n.d.). Retrieved September 7, 2018, from https://www.physio-pedia.com/Depression
Health24. 2018. Know the facts about depression this Mental Health Awareness Month | Health24 . Retrieved November 4, 2018 from https://www.health24.com/Mental-Health/know-the-facts-about-depression-this-mental-health-awareness-month-20160704.
Vancampfort, D., Firth, J., Schuch, F., Rosenbaum, S., Mugisha, J., & Hallgren, M. et al. (2017). Sedentary behavior and physical activity levels in people with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and major depressive disorder: a global systematic review and meta-analysis. World Psychiatry, 16(3), 308-315. doi: 10.1002/wps.20458
4 thoughts on “Empathy for Depression”
Hi Max.
You analysed the situation well and made a clear link to the term empathy that we covered in class. I liked how you explained the term and gave a description of how you needed to apply it. Depression is something that we all come across in our daily lives as physiotherapist but often handle poorly. Its nice to read some methods to better address it in your work.
A more captivating opening statement might add more effect than starting with a definition. It could be something short just introducing what the post will be about.
I would also suggest making a more defined link to your picture through your writing. Although the image is clear on what it represents, maybe try to comment on the symbolism and relate it back to the patient and situation. There is a strong correlation that can be explored.
You referenced well, however I feel that it would add depth if you included an article piece on how empathy affects our patient-physio relationship. Knowing what empathy is and knowing how it affects people around us is has a difference and plays an important role in our management. It is something I find interesting and think would be nice to add. I believe a reference is missing from your list- (Vancampfort, 2009).
There is a nice, logical flow and only one or two spelling errors. Paragraph 2, 3rd last line has ‘ties’ instead of ‘times’. The sentences have valuable information, but do become really long and confusing at some points. I would suggest shorter, more to the point sentences. Mainly in paragraph 2. Just to get your feelings across in a more direct manner.
Overall it is a good first draft and I enjoyed reading something we can all relate to and learn from.
Hi Carla, Thank you for your feedback. I have tried to put in a more captivating opening few lines and also trued to implement the changes you suggested such as shortening some sentences and correcting spelling errors. However I am not trying to review the picture that I linked to the article as It is just to give a visual to the reader on how depression might feel.
Thank you so much.
Hi Max,
I enjoyed reading your piece and I believe the emotions and reactions you had towards your patient is something we have all experienced throughout this year.
The content described throughout your writing piece strongly correlates with what was discussed in class. You related the term empathy very closely to your own personal experience. I would recommend that your opening paragraph also includes more of your personal experience to grab your readers attention so that is has more than just the definition of depression. Although your image displays a very clear message, I recommend that you link the image more in your writing. An example could be to link it to the patients emotions, or to your own experience and emotions.
Your argument comes across good, but I believe it could be even stronger if you try find articles that show how treating the patient holistically is better than treating the medical condition alone (the reason why the patient is receiving physio). This will help back-up your statement in the last paragraph where you state “In the future I need to try and understand my patients conditions and sub-conditions, in order to give them the best possible treatment.”
Your referenced well throughout your piece. I noticed that you skipped one of your references. You did the in-text reference, but did not add it to the list at the bottom (Vancampfort, 2009). What could better your piece as well is if you find more reliable and substantial references other than physio-pedia.
There is a logical flow throughout throughout your piece. It is very well written with only a few grammatical errors. In paragraph 2 towards the end, you wrote ‘Many ties’, instead of ‘many times’.
Overall, this was a well written piece that is suitable to the module and description of the assignment.
Hey Max,
So…I really don’t have much to say. You have a great piece here and Carla already gave you great advice, I don’t know if any advice I give you will make this better.
I also struggle with patients and motivation. I am an enthusiastic person, so if my patients don’t have that “want” it can dampen my spirits as well. I will definitely use the goal setting method the next time I have a depressed/unmotivated patient.
My only advice would be to either build your relationship with the patient and try to figure out what holds meaning to them and motivate them that way, or refer to a psychologist 😀
Nicely done