LIFE is full of emotional ups and downs and everyone experiences the ‘blues’ from time to time.
However, when the periods of feeling down last for an extended period of time, or when they affect your ability to function properly, you, like Robin Williams, may be suffering from a common, serious illness – depression.
According to a report on Sadag, the South African Depression and Anxiety Group’s website, clinical depression affects a person’s mood, mind, body and behaviour.
Research has shown that 20 percent of the population will develop a depressive disorder during their lifetime and that nearly two thirds of those will not get the help they need. In the majority of cases, treatment can alleviate symptoms, but because it often goes unrecognised, the illness continues to cause unnecessary suffering.
Depressive disorders affect your body, mood and thoughts. It affects the way you eat and sleep, the way you feel about yourself, and the way you think about things. It is not a sign of personal weakness or a condition that can be willed or wished away.
Symptoms of depression depression include:
- Persistent sad, anxious, or ‘empty’ mood.
- Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities that were once enjoyed, including sex.
- Feelings of hopelessness and pessimism.
- Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, helplessness and self-reproach.
- Insomnia, early-morning awakening, or oversleeping.
- Appetite and/or weight loss or overeating and weight gain.
- Decreased energy, fatigue and feeling run down.
- Increased use of alcohol and drugs; may be associated but not a criteria for diagnosis.
- 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.
- Deterioration of social relationships.
Depression affects people of both sexes and all races, cultures and social classes. It is reportedly twice as common in women than in men.
While depression is more common in adults, it occurs in at least two in every 100 children. Signs of apathy or not caring often mark depression in children.
Other signs of childhood depression include behavioural problems or eating disorders that lead to substantial weight loss or gain. Schoolwork may deteriorate and previously boisterous and energetic children may become quiet and listless.
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Because ups and downs are particularly common in adolescence, depression is often a normal part of growing up. While teenagers do experience depressed moods as a norm, clinically diagnosable depression affects five in every 100 teenagers.
It can interfere with daily activities, cause a deterioration in academic performance, loss of interest in friendships and decreased enjoyment in activities and hobbies. Depression is also a major cause of suicide.
Depression in adolescents is often accompanied by tobacco, alcohol and drug abuse, promiscuous sexual behaviour and risk-taking behaviour.
If you need help, Sadag can be contacted at 011 262 6396, by sms at 31393 or at www.sadag.org. The substance abuse helpline number is 0800 12 13 14.
Information taken from the South African Depression and Anxiety Group website.
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