WHAT IS DEPRESSION?
This can be defined as a common and serious medical illness that negatively affects how you feel, the way you think,how you act and response to stimulus at a given time. It’s mood disorder that causes persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest.
WHAT ARE THE MAJOR CAUSES OF DEPRESSION?
Variety of reasons are the causes of depression.
1. Upsetting or stressful life e g death of loved ones,loss of jobs , divorce of marriage,loss of valued property.
2. Health/ life threatening health challenge e g cancer,HIV , bareness, I’ll health without medical/ spiritual solution.
3. people who live difficult social and economic circumstances.
4. Hereditary/ family history – depression may be inherited from the family gene, offspring may equally develop it
5. Post birth depression – some women are vulnerable to depression after pregnancy. The hormonal and physical changes plus additional responsibility of a new life can lead to postnatal depression ( Abi sinwin…yoruba language).
6. Loneliness; This can be caused by issue like cut- off, or burn out from family, friends and associates. Likely to increase risk of depression.
7.Alcohol & drugs: When situation is not favourable inability to cope sometimes takes to drinking too much. Excessive intakes of drugs / Alcohol can result into spiral of depression.canabis can help you to relax but it’s evident that it lead to depression.
8.Head injuries; its an often Under- recognized cause of depression, a severe head injury can trigger mood swings and emotional problems.
9. Lack of sex: This is another major Factors that triggers depression. It’s a travelling partner with tiredness.lack of interest In copulation with opposite sex with opposite gender. Loss of libido can in turn lead to depression .
SYMPTOMS OF DEPRESSION
1)Psychological symptoms ;
These include;
* Having low self esteem.
* Continuous low mood or sadness
* Feeling hopeless and helpless.
* Feeling irritable and intolerant of people around you.
*Loss of interest in everything around you.
* Finding it difficult to make decisions
* Not willing to associates with Friends and families.
* Having suicidal thoughts or thoughts of harming yourself.
Physical symptoms.
These includes
* Moving or speaking more slowly or faster than usual
* Changes in appetite or loss of weight ( usually decreased but sometimes increased)
* Unexplained aches and pains
* Lack of energy
* Loss of sex urge/ drive
* Changes in the menstrual cycle
* Disturbed sleep- finding it difficult to fall asleep at night or waking up at ungodly hours without reasons .
STAGES OF DEPRESSION.
-Mild depression.. when depression has some impact in your daily life.
– moderate depression: when depression has significant impact in your daily life patterns.
– Severe depression; This is when it’s difficult to get through daily life
Types of depression.
1. Bipolar – it’s called Maniac depression,it spells both depression and high mood behavior. Such people may display harmful behavior.
2. Post natal depression. This is often noticed after baby is put to birth.( Abisinwin . Yoruba language)
3.Seasonal Affective Depression (SAD) it’s called winter depression ( O ma nse wo Lekan kan …Yoruba language)
HOW TO AVOID DEPRESSION
* Avoid stress
* Do much of exercise
* Healthful diet.
* Sleep – good sleep patterns.
* Avoid alcohol and hard drugs
* Do talking therapy
* Avoid common triggers
IS THERE SOLUTION TO DEPRESSION?
There is no cure to depression but there are lots of effective treatments , people can recover from depression, live long and healthy lives.
SOLUTIONS TO ACT OF DEPRESSION;
Clinical treatment.
Treatment of depression usually come with a combination of self help, talking therapies and medicine.
Treatment will now depends on the level of depression.
Mild depression.
WAIT & SEE – after few diagnosis,expert might suggest waiting a short time to see if it gets better by itself.
EXCERCISE – some exercise session might be recommended.
SELF HELP – by talking to friend or relatives .
ANTI DEPRESSANT – drugs may be recommended.
MENTAL HEALTH – psychiatrist, specialist, Nurse, psychologist and occupational therapist. They will recommend drugs and do therapies .
COUNSELLING – This will help you think about the challenges you are experiencing in your life. So you can find new ways of dealing with them. Counselor will support you in finding solution to the problem.
WHERE TO SEEK HELP WHEN GOING THROUGH DEPRESSION ?
If we observe this in any vulnerable person,it’s advisable to see a certified counselor for guide or referral.
Are you worried and willing to see a counselor? You may engage us
Children and Community Protection Network
08171623945
