Lisa (Chapter 3)

Over the next few days
After she saw the psychiatrist
Lisa felt so much better
He diagnosed her as having major depression
Because she had depressed mood for more than 2 weeks
Associated with anhedonia and insomnia
Loss of appetite, weight and concentration
Feelings of worthlessness and suicide
He also explained to her
That although her symptoms are caused by her recent breakup
They are too intense than usual
To be accounted for by adjustment disorder
And coupled with deterioration in social and occupational functioning
Fulfil the diagnosis of major depression

She was prescribed with Faverin
An anti-depressant that acts
By selectively inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin at synaptic junctions
Thus overcoming serotonin deficiency
That is believed to be the biochemical basis of depression

Although the psychiatrist told her
That she needs to take Faverin for at least two weeks
Before she can experience its anti-depressant effect
She already felt so much better after the first few doses
She wondered if it's the so-called placebo effect
The alleviation of symptoms
By the psychological assurance of taking a drug
Than the pharmacological action of the drug itself

She was also given a few days of medical leave
So that she can be temporarily relieved from work
To rest at home for recuperation
And now that she's feeling better
She actually looked forward to returning to work
And resuming her responsibilities as regional manager
Although she sometimes wonder
If she'll be stigmatised because of her illness
She brushed off the worry
And promised herself she'll make a brand new start
When she return to work tomorrow

(To be continued)