In this busy world, especially the African context mental illness is only categorized as insanity. Today, however, I will talk about a seemingly overlooked condition that is also part of mental illness, DEPRESSION.
This is something I know well since I have had depression a couple of times, that was triggered by different events.
What is Depression?
It’s normal to feel down sometimes, but if you are constantly feeling down day after day, it could mean depression. Major depression is an episode of sadness or apathy along with other symptoms that lasts at least two consecutive weeks and is severe enough to interrupt daily activities.
Contrary to popular opinion this is a genuine illness with real symptoms.
- Continous sadness, anxious, or a feeling of being “empty”
- Feelings of hopelessness, or pessimism
- High level of irritability
- Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness
- Loss of interest in usually pleasurable hobbies and activities
- Feeling restless or having trouble sitting still
- Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions
- Insomnia, early-morning awakening, or oversleeping
- Appetite and/or weight changes
- Thoughts of death or suicide, or suicide attempts
- Aches or pains, headaches, cramps, or digestive problems without a clear physical cause and/or that do not ease even with treatment
Any Depression Treatments?
Antidepressants are medicines that treat depression. They may help improve the way your brain uses certain chemicals that control mood or stress. You may need to try several different antidepressant medicines before finding the one that improves your symptoms and has manageable side effects. A medication that has helped you or a close family member in the past will often be considered.
It helps to have someone to just rant to when you need to. They do not have to necessarily provide answers but it does help unburden yourself.
There is no prescribed time to get over depression but one should just take it one day at a time.
*Additional information from National Institute of Mental Health