Depression

Look on the bright side depression is treatable, and you can manage these three components of symptoms through support, psychotherapy and medical drugs(pills).

What is depression?

•Depression is mental health disorder characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness and loss of interest or pleasure in activities.

 Also called major  depressive disorder  or clinical depression. It affects how you feel(emotions),think, behave and can lead to variety of emotional and physical problems.

What causes  depression?

Here are some of the common factors that may contribute to depression. 

Generic

•Family history of depression can increase the risk.

Brain Chemistry/Neuro chemical imbalance 

•Imbalance in neurotransmitters,such as serotonin,dopamine and norepinephrine may play a role.

Environmental factors 

•Stressful life events, trauma,abuse,financial difficulties or major life change can trigger depression.

Medication 

•Some medication, including certain antidepressants can have side effects that contribute to depression.

Substance abuse

•Alcohol or drugs abuse can worsen or trigger  depression.

What are the symptoms 

Symptoms of depression can vary case by case but include 

•fatigue 

•Suicidal thoughts 

•Sleep disturbance 

•Difficulty concentrating

•Loss of sexual desires

•Over eating or not feeling hungry at all

•Aches

Prescription/Medication 

Anti depressants can help treat moderate to serve depression 

•Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors(SSRI)

•Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOI)

•Tricyclic antidepressants 

•Selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors(SNRI)

Each class act on a different neurotransmitter or combination of neurotransmitters. And it is adviced that the patient should only take medication as their doctor prescribed,some drugs can take a while to have an impact.

Medication side effects 

SSRI and SNRI can have side effects that the patient can experience 

•Constipation 

•Diarrhea 

•Low blood sugar

•Weight loss

•Sexual Dysfunction 

Numbers of people that get affected by depression 

There is a white paper survey that was conducted by wits medical  research  council,development pathway,for health  research unit(DPHRU).Shows that 25.7% of South Africans are more likely depressed. In South Africa, an estimated 9.8% of adult population  experience major (clinical)depression.

Dispite treatment being available only 25% have treatment and care for mental disorder

•Respondents 65 years or older (39%)

•Respondents widowed, divorced (32,6)

•Those with only primary education (32,1%)

•Those who were retired (30,6)

•Residing in metropolitan (27.0%)

•Women (26,7%)

•Those with lower household income (26,4)

Written by Matthews M Mashao 

Editor:Matthews Mashao