Clinical depression is on the rise

THE number of people suffering from major depressive disorder has risen by nearly 60% since 1990.

Dr Mvuyiso Talatala of the Psychiatry Management Group (PsychMG), says the significant increase is due to a number of factors, including raised awareness which in turn leads to an increase in people seeking treatment.

‘Depression continues to be among the leading causes of disability, and can affect anybody at any time in your life,’ he said.

‘But depression treatment and research remains largely under-funded despite evidence that shows that treating depression improves a country’s economy.’

He says there is still an emphasis on the treatment of more severe illnesses – such as bipolar disorder and schizophrenia – in South Africa.

‘There is less funding for treatment of depression at primary health care level in the public sector and in outpatient care in the private sector.

‘The funding is skewed towards hospital-based care in both public and private sectors and this is more apparent in the private sector.’

What is depression?

‘Depression results from a complex interaction of social, psychological and biological factors.

‘Those at the highest risk are people who have endured distressing experiences such as trauma, unemployment and bereavement.

‘Genetics, changes in hormone levels, certain medical conditions, stress, or difficult life circumstances are all contributing factors,’ he explains, warning that depression can, in turn, lead to more stress and dysfunction and worsen the affected person’s life situation and condition.

He says depression is an illness characterised by persistent sadness and loss of interest in activities one would normally enjoy.

Feelings of hopelessness, worthlessness, indecisiveness, lack of sleep or increased sleep, reduced or increased appetite and at times anxiety, lasting longer than two weeks might be a sure sign of depression.

‘Snap out of it’

He says people with depression often find it difficult to talk about their condition with family and in the workplace due to the stigma associated with mental illness.

‘There is often an impression that people suffering from depression are lazy and should snap out of it.

‘This stigma stems from a lack of knowledge, awareness and it being perceived as a cultural taboo.

‘The lack of access to medical help results in a community that does not have people who have been successfully treated for depression who could talk about their journey and destigmatise mental illness,’ he said.

Dr Talatala says psychiatry in the townships and rural communities ends up being associated with treatment of schizophrenia, which in itself carries a lot of stigma.

‘Seeing a psychiatrist for one’s depression then becomes associated with seeking help for schizophrenia and being ‘crazy’.’

Get help

‘Depression is treatable through medications or psychotherapy or a combination of both – the first step is seeking help.

‘I would suggest going to a public health clinic or a general practitioner and voice your concerns as soon as possible.

He warns it is important that patients adhere to and stick to treatment.

‘Too often patients stop using medication mid-way of their treatment with long-term effects on their healing process.’

Monitor your stress and seek immediate help before it spirals out of control.

It’s important to identify the stressors in your life and address them to avoid long-term health effects.

Live a healthy lifestyle with adequate sleep,exercise, and a healthy diet.

‘Avoiding substance abuse such as drugs and alcohol is very important.’

In Zululand, people struggling with emotional or physical trauma, including thoughts of suicide, can contact LifeLine on 035 7897788.

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