In most cases, people living with depression are stigmatised as weak and unstable individuals. The reality is depression can affect anyone, including children and adults. Most people living with depression are high-functioning individuals. More and more ‘famous’ people are coming out to say they are living with depression to help fight the stigma around depression and other mental illnesses.

What is depression?

Depression is defined as a mental health condition that presents itself with extreme and persistent feelings of sadness, helplessness and/or sorrow (Depressive Disorder, World Health Organization, 2023). It can be a result of a severe loss, major life changes, family history, abuse, recreational drugs and other contributory factors

Depression is not a sign of weakness, curse or going crazy. It is a common health condition that can be managed effectively through medication, lifestyle modification and therapy. The important steps in managing depression are knowing the symptoms and seeking help

Symptoms and Patterns Associated with Depression

There are various symptoms of depression – some are easier to recognise than others. The common sign of depression is often a change in the person’s usual behaviour.  A person suspecting that they might be depressed can look out for one or more persisting symptoms of depression that include the following:

  • Persistent sadness and anxiety
  • Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities that were once enjoyed.
  • Feelings of hopelessness and pessimism
  • Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, helplessness, self-reproach
  • Changes in sleeping patterns
  • Loss of appetite and/or weight loss, or overeating and weight gain
  • Decreased energy, fatigue and feeling run down
  • Increased use of alcohol and drugs
  • Thoughts of death or suicide, suicide attempts
  • Restlessness, irritability, hostility
  • Difficulty concentrating, remembering, making decisions
  • Persistent physical symptoms that do not respond to treatment, such as headaches, digestive disorders and chronic pain.
  • More prone to minor accidents and injuries
  • Low self-esteem

Common contributing factors to depression

There are several possible factors that can cause or lead a person to depression. It is important to note that some factors causing depression remain unknown. However, the common risk factors include one or a combination of the following:

  • Research shows that people with a family history of depression are more likely to develop depression themselves.
  • Stressful life events such as failing an exam, moving far away from friends or family, or ending a serious relationship can bring on an episode of depression.
  • Other medical illnesses. The stress of being ill can increase the likelihood that someone will become depressed.
  • People who have unrealistically high standards for themselves or suffer from a persistent inability to be satisfied with outcomes due to perfectionism have been shown to be more likely to suffer from depression.

Diagnosis

Depression is diagnosed by medical doctors by collecting medical history, including symptoms, family history, etc. Furthermore, a doctor may take blood tests to check for any underlying medical causes of depression

Treatment and Management

Commonly, doctors will prescribe antidepressants to help neutralise chemicals causing depression in the brain. These can only be taken when prescribed by the doctor and for the duration that the doctor recommends. Furthermore, it is highly recommended that help be given to improve the way a person thinks and reacts to external factors (stressors). There is also food that a person can eat that improves brain health and mood ie, fruit and vegetables, fish, nuts, eggs.

Seek professional help /Speak to someone

At LifeAssist, we have qualified counsellors who are able to speak to you in person or online to help and support you.

If you, or anyone close to you, is feeling suicidal, please get in touch with LifeAssist emergency 24-hour support,