Township youth affected by depression

World Health Day, with the theme this year focusing on depression, its causes, the signs and treatment, was celebrated last Friday.

This year the World Health Organisation wants to alleviate cases of depression by informing people about the condition.

In the African community, depression is often stigmatised, leading to people suffering and hiding their condition in fear of being called “crazy”.

According to clinical psychologist Ms Mbali Mthembu depression is when a person has been diagnosed with a mood disorder affecting interpersonal relationships, work and social functioning, and characterised by experiencing a depressed mood which has lasted for two weeks and more.

Unemployment, poverty and stigmatisation are but a few of the leading causes of depression in township youth, with feelings of worthlessness, guilt and peer pressure leading to emotional and physical strains which can ultimately lead to fatal thoughts of suicide.

She added that a teenager may be vulnerable to developing a mood disorder because of genetic reasons such as a parent having depression and possibly passing it on to a child.

The vulnerability to mood disorders may also be triggered by psycho social stressors where a number of life events or environmental factors may affect township youth.

Possible stressors are:

A high rate of unemployment for those who have completed tertiary/ Grade 12 education
Teenage pregnancy, leading to school drop out for girls.
Domestic violence between parents or divorce.
Financial constraints which may hinder them from pursuing studies at tertiary level.
Poor scholastic performance and lack of moral support.
Trauma (rape).

She encourages the youth to seek help from professionals, like clinical psychologists based in government hospitals that will provide therapy to deal with the root cause of the symptoms and teach coping skills.

If someone is severely depressed with suicidal thoughts, they might need to also be referred to a psychiatrist who will prescribe medication until the mood is stabilised.

Ms Mthembu is adamant that this does not mean one is crazy, it just means that the biological functioning must be brought to a state of equilibrium so that one feels that sense of control over one’s mood.

She suggests that someone, who is experiencing depression or thoughts of suicide, must talk to a friend or an adult like a teacher, pastor or neighbour, who is trustworthy.

She concludes by saying: “Don’t fall prey to how you feel. Seek help even though you don’t feel as if it as it’s worth saving your life and future.”

Ermelo Provincial Hospital has a Mental Health Unit that treats depression, with Emthonjeni and Thusiville clinics providing referrals for people with mental health issues.

Helplines are also available at Suicide Crisis Line: 0800 567 567 and the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (S.A.D.A.G) : 0800 12 13 14