Depression can be treated
Most people suffer from ‘the blues' or feel down at one stage of their lives or another. This is not unusual when we are faced with difficult circumstances, and most people usually feel better after a short time. However, when you feel down for long periods and a sense of hopelessness negatively affects your life, you should seek medical attention as you could be suffering from depression.
As part of the Government Employees Medical Scheme's (GEMS) ongoing effort to educate existing and future members on a range of healthcare topics, we would like to explore certain important healthcare issues. This article looks at the subject of depression this Mental Illness Awareness Month, July 2012.
What is depression?
Depression is a medical condition in which feelings of sadness and unhappiness may have a negative impact on one's everyday life. These feelings last for weeks, months and even years. Some people with depression may not feel sad but rather a sense of hopelessness, helplessness and even anger. The condition may affect one's ability to work, study, sleep, eat and enjoy life.
Who is affected by depression?
People from all walks of life and backgrounds can come to suffer from depression and it is nothing to be ashamed of. It is a relatively common medical condition with some experts saying that mild to more severe depression can affect as many as one in ten people. It is most commonly diagnosed in individuals between the ages of 20 and 45 but can develop at any age. More and more teenagers and older people are also affected by the condition.
Twice as many women as men suffer from depression although women are more likely to seek help for it. South African men tend not to be brought up to talk about their feelings or problems so most men in the country do not seek help when they are feeling depressed.
Individuals with depression usually see everything in their lives in a negative way and struggle to overcome challenges. Those suffering from depression cannot simply ‘pull themselves together', as they have developed a distorted view of themselves and of life, which looks overwhelmingly bleak.
Can it be treated?
The South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) says depression can be serious and is a factor in most suicides. It has been estimated that 22 South Africans commit suicide each day. This is tragic if one considers that depression can usually be successfully treated. If you feel despair in your everyday life it might be time to visit a doctor or counsellor.
What are the causes and risk factors?
We do not know exactly what triggers depression but some experts believe it is related to chemical changes in the brain. In some cases it runs in certain families or is triggered by stressful events. Depression often seems to be caused by a combination of different factors.
Sometimes people who are diagnosed with serious illnesses such as diabetes, cancer or HIV can develop trouble with depression. Individuals who have to live with ongoing pain may also start to feel down.
The following may be contributing factors in depression:
What are the symptoms?
A depressed individual can present with a number of different symptoms. These may include:
Anyone who has ongoing thoughts of suicide should seek help immediately.
How is it treated?
There are a number of different kinds of depression and treatment will depend upon the diagnosis and how severe it is. In general there are two main forms of treatment: medications called anti-depressants and talk therapy or counselling.
Talk therapy has been shown to be very effective in treating depression, providing the sufferer with support and someone share his or her troubles with. In less severe cases talk therapy may be all the help the individual requires. Other individuals may also need to take anti-depressants. By far the majority of depression sufferers will be helped by one of these forms of therapy or a combination of both.
You may start feeling better a few weeks after starting on anti-depressants or it may take a few months to feel the real benefit. Support groups such as SADAG can also be beneficial allowing those with depression to see they are not alone and that they do have support.
What do I do to feel better?
There is much one can do in order to feel better. A healthy lifestyle that includes plenty of exercise, sufficient sleep and a healthy diet has been shown to have many benefits and helps one to feel strong again. Work on being around people who are caring and supportive of you and doing activities that you enjoy. Try not to isolate yourself from friends and family.
Anyone who is feeling depressed should stay away from alcohol and illegal drugs. While it may seem like these substances are blocking out painful feelings, they only go on to make one feel a great deal worse.
If you are feeling depressed it can be a great idea to volunteer to help other people who are in need of support such as the poor, the elderly or orphaned children. This may make you feel you are making a positive contribution in your world and give you a sense of purpose.
Where do I find support?
If you feel like you may be suffering from depression and it is having a negative impact on you living your life, find the necessary support to help you feel happier and more fulfilled. You can start by speaking to a healthcare worker or counsellor. Remember that depression can be treated and managed, so be sure not to suffer it in silence.
For any GEMS member queries please phone the GEMS call centre on 0860 00 4367 or visit our website at www.gems.gov.za. GEMS will assist you in every way possible to ensure your family's health and wellbeing.
Sources:
1. PubMed Health, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0001941/
2. MedicineNet.com, www.medicinenet.com/depression/page3.htm#myths
3. South African Depression and Anxiety Group, Anxiety www.sadag.org/
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