CASE HISTORY 18
NAME: Valie
Date of Birth: 1935
SEX: Female
COMPLAINTS & DURATION
Feelings of loneliness, worry and depression
PROGNOSIS: Poor
DISCUSSION
The salient features of this case are:
- Loneliness
- Worry
- Depression
- Loneliness
Loneliness is a subjective experience. The person experiences a strong sense of emptiness and solitude resulting from inadequate levels of social relationships. Loneliness has also been described as social pain – a psychological mechanism meant to alert an individual of isolation and motivate her/him to seek social connections.
Loneliness may be experienced because of many reasons: the lack of friendship during young age. It may be an indicator of other problems, such as chronic depression. Many people experience loneliness for the first time when they are left alone when still infants. It may also result from loss of some important relationship: a specific person and the associated sadness or from the withdrawal from society caused by the event. Learning to cope with changes in life patterns is essential in overcoming loneliness.
Chronic loneliness is a serious, life-threatening condition. Studies show an increased risk of cancer, stroke and heart problems. Loneliness has been linked with depression, and is thus a risk factor for suicide. The first step is therapy, a common and effective way of treating loneliness and is often successful. Emphasis is put on understanding the cause of the problem, reversing the negative thoughts.
- Worry
Worry is thoughts of a negative type in which mental attempts are made to avoid anticipated potential threats. Most people experience short-lived periods of worry without incident. Indeed, a moderate amount of worrying may even have positive effects. Excessive worry is the main component of generalised anxiety disorder.
It is suggested that people should not worry alone. There is more likelihood of finding solutions when talking with a friend. Another step to reduce worry is to make a plan and take action. Sleeping enough, getting exercise, and eating a healthy diet are also important.
- Depression
Depression was consequent to loneliness and worry. Once these would be remedied it would automatically disappear.
Effects of meditation and yoga
Valie had gone into depression because of the loss of her parents. Since childhood they had been staying together in the same house. This sudden change brought with it feelings of loneliness and inadequacy. She felt lost, all alone in the world. She went into depression.
“I lost my parents recently. I was very attached to both. The loneliness was quite telling at times.”*
She used to worry about each and everything. This disturbed her mental equilibrium. She grew morbid in her thoughts. Her system got disturbed. She started suffering from ill-defined symptoms. Doctors could not pinpoint a specific problem or diagnose any specific illness. She was advised to try meditation. This succeeded into taking her out of her downward spiral to mental illness. She could accept the loss of her parents and could console herself.
“I am happy my daily meditation has helped me recover gradually my lucidity and accept their parting more positively.” *
Gradually she stopped having the odd symptoms and was eventually cured of that unknown disease condition she had been suffering. She felt much more at peace with the world.
“Since I started meditation, I am very much at peace with myself and my surroundings. I am less and less subject to these depressive moods that used to undermine my general health condition.”*
She could surmount her morbid tendency to worry over every petty thing and every event, by thinking positively.
“I used to be a great worrier and was easily disturbed. I have now developed greater poise and positive thinking.”*
The positive energies generated through meditation helped her regain her calm and feel that peace was also her right. She became much more optimistic.
“The absolute calmness and sense of being as opposed to living is so overwhelming. My whole being is so regenerated, that I am fully confident the worst adversity storming my life cannot disturb my peace anymore!”*
(*Excerpts from article, Valie. Magazine 2 P108-109)
CONCLUSION
Valie went into depression after the sudden demise of her parents. Nothing could console her. In fact she refused to be consoled. Loneliness and worry led her into depression. Left to herself she was a sure candidate for mental hospital.
Meditation saved her sanity. Chronic loneliness and depression had taken a toll of her system. Her homeostasis was overwhelmed. The inflow of prana from deep breathing and meditation helped to put her system back on track and re-establish her homeostasis.
She became more positive, self-confident and able to face any adversity in her life. Meditation saved her from dire consequences.