BENGALURU: I am 90-plus and have undergone two angioplasties about 15 years ago. My main problem is difficulty in getting sleep. My life is settled. My children are doing well. I have tried different methods but nothing has helped. What should I do?
Sleep patterns can change with normal aging process. Sometimes treating primary medical symptoms such as frequent urination at night can improve sleep. When you are unable to fall asleep in bed, it is advisable to get out of bed and do some quiet activity like reading.
There are certain things you can avoid, such as caffeine in the evenings, day-time naps, meals just before bed time, etc. Try and sleep in a quiet room with balanced temperature. If it does not help, you may need to consult a specialist.
I am 25 years old and stay alone. I sometimes feel low/bored. I would have had a great time with my friends but when I return, my mood changes. I don't feel like even listening to music, what I used to enjoy. What should I do?
After spending time with friends, returning to an empty flat could possibly make you feel lonely leading to sudden low mood. It is natural to feel so. But if the low mood lasts for long periods, then it is worrisome and would require treatment. You could try to cultivate new interests to engage you. You could also try and find ways to spend less time by yourself.
I am 23 and have a huge crush on a guy. I have spoken and met him a couple of times during professional meetings. I think he has a girlfriend. I have been trying to forget about him. How do I get over it?
Infatuations and crushes are common at this age. Firstly, accept and acknowledge the feelings. Take a decision of whether or not you would express them to the concerned person. If and when you have decided to get over it, and if you want to stop the thoughts from occurring often, you could use distraction as a technique. Distancing yourself from the person also will help.
I am a 27-year-old male working in a software company. How do I know if I am depressed? When I tell my parents that I feel low, they say it’s all in my head. Is it so?
Feeling low can be a normal emotion for most people, in reaction to a situation that triggers it. Depressive disorder is diagnosed and requires treatment when the low mood lasts for long periods during the day usually lasting more than two weeks.
There can also be other symptoms like getting tired easily, losing interest in activities, change in appetite and sleep, memory or concentration difficulties and so on.
— The expert is Consultant Psychiatrist, Fortis Hospital. For queries write to health.cityexpress@gmail.com