Overcoming Depression And It's Challenges 

Sleepless nights often make me wonder: is it stress, guilt, or something deeper? That night, I rolled from side to side on my bed, unable to fall asleep. For almost an hour, my eyes had been shut. “Why am I not able to sleep?” I thought to  myself. “Could it be because that thieving conductor called me an Ashawo for refusing to let go of my 50 naira balance?” Or is it because my Mother reminded me that I am disgrace for not giving her a grandchild at 31 years?  I shrugged off the thoughts. I was just about falling asleep when another thought came in, “Abi am I wicked?” You know people say no rest for the wicked. “Or maybe I’m depressed”. Many random thoughts later, I eventually fell asleep but soon after I was woken up by the sound of my Fajr Alarm clock. Reluctantly, I stood up and prayed. Afterwards, I laid on my mat and slept off.

Joy Came In The Morning...

As the day got brighter, my eyes opened again this time refusing to fall back to sleep. I picked up my phone to scan through social media just when a notification from  my bank came in. I screammmeeddd, OMG yes!!! My promotion arrears have  finally been paid . I couldn’t contain my joy. Those who said money cannot buy happiness have clearly not met me. Immediately I rushed to the market to get foodstuffs. “So I wasn’t depressed after all?” “All I needed was  money”, I thought. I also couldn’t help but think of how people throw around the word, “Depression” at the slightest inconvenience which could trivialize what people with depression are really suffering from. 

Here’s What We Should Know About Depression…

Everyone experiences days when they feel sad or unmotivated. However, not all bad days are due to depression, some of these days might just be temporary mood fluctuations. Depression is a serious medical condition characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and loss of interest in activities once enjoyed lasting for at least two weeks. These feelings must persist for at least two weeks and are often accompanied by other symptoms such as changes in appetite, sleep disturbances, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and thoughts of death or suicide. Recognizing these signs early is crucial in seeking timely and appropriate help.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), over 264 million people globally suffer from depression. It is more common in women than men and often begins during adolescence or young adulthood. However, it can occur at any stage of life. Depression is a leading cause of disability worldwide, contributing significantly to the global burden of diseases.

Causes And Risk Factors Of Depression

1. Biological Factors: 

•    Genetic predisposition or family history of depression and other mental health conditions.

•    Neurotransmitter imbalances (e.g. Serotonin, norepinephrine)

•    Hormonal changes (e.g. thyroid issues, menopause)

2. Psychological Factors:

•    Negative thinking patterns

•    Low self-esteem

•    Traumatic experiences (e.g. abuse, loss of a loved one)

3. Environment 

•    Stressful life events (e.g., job loss, divorce, loss of a loved one)

•    Social isolation

•    Lack of support system

4. Chronic illnesses 

•  Cancer, Diabetes, Kidney disease, amongst others can trigger depression.

5. Substance Abuse: 

• Excessive alcohol consumption

• Drug abuse e.g. Heroin, Cannabis, Ecstasy, Cocaine etc

How To Cope When You Are Feeling Depressed 

Coping with depression involves a combination of strategies aimed at managing symptoms and improving overall well-being. These include; 

• Engaging in regular physical activity can help boost mood and energy levels. 

• Maintaining a balanced diet and getting adequate sleep are also essential for mental health.

• Establishing a routine, setting small& achievable goals, and breaking tasks into manageable bits can provide a sense of accomplishment and control.

• Reaching out to trusted friends or family members for support and to share your feelings with them. 

• Also, practicing mindfulness and relaxation techniques, such as Yoga, meditation, and deep breathing exercises, can also help alleviate stress and improve emotional resilience.

 Getting Help For Depression: Therapy, Medications, and Support Groups

Professional help is necessary to effectively treat depression. Hence why it is important to promptly  identify its symptoms either in yourself or people around you and seek help. Psychotherapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) offered by health professionals helps individuals identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors contributing to their depression. Medications, such as antidepressants, can help balance brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters that affect mood. It’s important to work closely with a healthcare provider to find the right medication, and other therapy that will be beneficial. Being part of support groups provides a safe space to share experiences and connect with others facing similar challenges, reducing feelings of isolation and offering mutual encouragement.

Supporting A Friend Or Family Member Who Is Depressed

Supporting a loved one with or showing signs of depression requires patience, empathy, and understanding. Having adequate knowledge about the symptoms and manifestations of depression will help in identifying when it’s present in our loved ones and encouraging them to seek professional help. Accompany them to appointments if needed, listen without judgment, validate their feelings, and avoid offering unsolicited advice. Instead, offer to help with daily tasks, which can be overwhelming for someone with depression. Encourage positive activities that they used to enjoy, but be patient if they are not interested. Most importantly, remind them that they are not alone and that you are there to support them through their journey to recovery

Complications Of Depression 

Untreated depression can lead to several complications, including:

• Substance abuse

• Anxiety disorders

• Social isolation

• Physical health problems, such as cardiovascular disease

• Self-harm or suicide

Always Remember...

Depression is a serious condition that affects millions of people worldwide. Recognizing the signs, knowing how to cope, seeking professional help, and supporting loved ones are all crucial steps in managing depression. With the right approach and resources, individuals with depression can lead fulfilling lives, find hope and healing.

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Until Next Time,

Yours In Healthy Living 👩🏾‍⚕️