One in three South Africans will or do suffer from a mental illness in their lifetime, according to the South African Depression and Anxiety Group.
Miss South Africa 2020 Shundufhadzo Musida opened up a virtual conversation with a number of stakeholders concerning depression, its symptoms and how locals can help one another in the face of this mental health struggle.
Psychiatrist Dr Lerato Dikobe-Kalane said depression was more than just feeling blue.
“It is when one experiences a persistently low mood all day long for a long period of time. They [depressed people] have a decreased drive to do things, low energy levels and irritability.”
She said depression did not have age or ethnicity – it did not discriminate.
Dikobe-Kalane said loved ones should look out for unusual behaviour with their family members or friends, which can be a warning sign of depression.
“We need to be socially connected in order to look out for depression in loved ones.”
A patient suffering from depression Dineo Mogale recounted her experience with depression. She said she struggled to concentrate, have meaningful conversations and be emotionally available and was not coping with her daily tasks.
She visited her GP and therapist and was prescribed medication that had brought her some relief.
“I have seen a drastic change in myself after taking medication. I have my full drive for life back again and feel happier and more stable. There is help out there,” said Mogale.
She advised people struggling with depression to seek help, speak up and be patient with themselves.
Operations director of the South African Depression and Anxiety Group Cassey Chambers recommended that those struggling contact a social worker, counsellor, GP or psychologist as a first step to finding help.
She also encouraged patients to exercise self-care by setting up a daily routine, getting enough sleep, eating healthy and getting outside.
Chambers encouraged family and friends of those struggling with depression to check-in and support their loved ones.
Dikobe-Kalane said one of the most unhelpful ways that family members interfered with patients was by discouraging them from taking their medication or asking them why they were struggling.
“Don’t ask why. Depression is seldom a reactive condition. It is more helpful to ask how you can help and give support,” said Dikobe-Kalane.
Chambers encouraged community members to normalise conversations around mental health and speak about what was previously considered taboo.
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