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"Why do you deh suh sad all the time man?"
"You do not talk to anyone … you just managed on your own."
How many of us can understand using these expressions towards someone we know and care about? Have we stopped thinking that this person may be suffering from a mental health problem?
Let's say that this condition is depression. Do we consider depression as a state of madness? Are we aware of the type of depression that the person is facing? How can we support them as they go through this difficult situation and should there be some kind of specialized care?
Before addressing these questions, let us ask what depression really is. Depression is a mental health problem that negatively affects how we feel, think and behave. We have no real idea of the origin of depression, but this has been linked to various biological, psychological and environmental factors. The good news is that once properly diagnosed, depression can be treated. Mental illness and, in this case, depression, do not discriminate and can affect anyone, regardless of age, race, gender, culture or socio-economic status.
Various situations can lead us to become depressed, for example if we lose our job, if we have just ended a relationship or if we have just lost a family member. Because we are not all conceived in the same way, we will each react differently to a difficult situation. Some people can pick themselves up and move on, while others find it more difficult and that there is no shame in that. But to better understand depression, its severity and its impact on people living with this disease will allow us to be more sympathetic to these people and realize that their suffering is "real" and that they are not just looking for pity. "In summary, being conscious and educated about depression means that we can better help care for our loved ones who are suffering from this very common mental health problem.
To be clear: having a diagnosis of depression does not mean you are crazy; it simply means that you suffer from a common mental disorder that affects more than 300 million people worldwide. And once depression is properly diagnosed, its treatment takes the form of psychotherapy and / or antidepressants.
It is important to note that there are different forms of depression, but for the purposes of this article, we will only highlight three. A person suffering from "major depression" may experience long periods of sadness, suicidal thoughts, loss of appetite and insomnia, to name a few symptoms. People suffering from this type of depression suffer so much from suffering that they can sometimes feel completely hopeless and as if they no longer wish to be a burden to their loved ones.
The symptoms of "persistent depressive disorder" or "dysthymia" are similar to those of major depression, except that they are less severe but chronic, which means that they last longer. This form of depression can last two years or more.
Meanwhile, "manic depression," now known as "bipolar disorder," occurs when the affected person suffers periods of extreme "highs" and "lows" (depressive states). It simply means that his mood no longer feels euphoric. or energetic for a prolonged period to present all the symptoms of depression.
How can you tell if a close friend or family member is suffering from depression? Observe their behavior and note how long they have the symptoms listed below:
* Persistent sadness
* Isolate
* Loss of appetite / weight loss
*Lack of motivation
* Excessive sleep / insomnia
* Suicidal ideation
Do not forget that a diagnosis of depression can only be made if these feelings persist for more than two weeks, but if you notice at least five of these symptoms, then it is likely that the person is suffering from depression and that a professional is wanted. Talk to your GP, who can then refer the person to specialized care. You can also seek help from the Georgetown Public Hospital's Mental Health Unit, located on Quamina and Thomas Streets, for further information and advice.
Do not forget that depression is a very common mental health problem and understanding what it means means that you will be better equipped to recognize and seek help for yourself or for someone you know. know who is suffering.
Alicia Roopnaraine is a psychologist in the Department of Psychiatry of the Ministry of Public Health. You can send him questions or comments to [email protected]
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