Depression is not just a ‘bad mood’
September 10 will mark World Suicide Prevention Day while October 10 will mark World Mental Health Day.
Discussing mental health in the black community is often seen as taboo and it is often neglected or dismissed as ‘witchcraft’. This is likely due to a lack of understanding of what constitutes mental illness or disorder.
Recently a man shot and killed himself at Protea Glen Police Station in Protea North, the man was allegedly suffering from a mental illness and was being transported to a mental health facility at the time of the incident.
Incidents such as these force us to re-examine our knowledge on issues of mental health and our positioning on it as a people because recognition of mental health in our community can save lives.
The first step to achieving this recognition, in my opinion, is to do away with the notion that depression, attempts of suicide that arise as a result thereof and self-harm are ‘attention seeking’.
Depression is a gravely serious mental disorder that impairs an individual’s daily ability to function according to information given by the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG).
This inability to function normally leads to low levels of productivity which leads to problems in the workplace or school for young sufferers of depression.
“Depression affects cognitive functioning such as decision making, concentration, memory and problem-solving abilities. Depression negatively impacts productivity.
“If an employee has depression but is at work, they are five times less productive than an employee who was absent to depression, said psychiatrist and clinical psychologist, Dr Frans Korb on a study published by SADAG on depression in the workplace.”
Some common symptoms of depression include:
• Poor concentration
• Poor memory/forgetfulness
• Indecisiveness
• Problem-solving difficulties
• Negative or distorted thinking patterns
These symptoms suggest that mental disorders such as depression which is classified as mood disorders are not merely just about a person being ‘moody’ or seeking attention but are rather a symptom of a chemical imbalance in the brain which leads to cognitive impairments as listed above.
Research conducted by SADAG involving over 1000 employed/previously employed workers in the country found that 74% of them reported experiencing one or more of the abovementioned symptoms the last time they were depressed.
This shows that depression is not merely about being sad or moody all the time. September 10 will mark World Suicide Prevention Day while October 10 will mark World Mental Health Day.
It is important for days such as these to be observed as they will promote a culture of tolerance towards mental illness and hopefully lead to a dialogue that will lead to the destigmatisation of it.
Those who think they are suffering from depression or any other mental illness can contact organisations such as Lifeline on the toll-free number 0861 322 322.
For help in Protea Glen, residents can visit COPESSA (Community-based Prevention and Empowerment Strategies in South Africa) offices in extension 11 where they will be referred for counselling services, either in-house or external, depending on the extent of the problem.
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