Depression is real
Nchidzi Masendu | Monday August 14, 2023 06:00
What we encounter are breaking news stories of suicides, acts of passion resulting in death, divorces, and other disconcerting incidents. These revelations are astonishing, for these very individuals appeared content outwardly, concealing their inner turmoil.
Reports of suicides, 'passion killings', murder, and other bewildering cases of mortality have lately come to the fore. Navigating depression is no trivial matter; nevertheless, within each trial lies a glimmer of hope.
Be fortified, enkindled, and inspired – for surmounting these challenges is possible. Drawing from a 2012 World Health Organization publication on depression, it is evident that depression substantially contributes to the global disease burden, affecting diverse communities worldwide. Depression manifests as a prevalent mental disorder, characterised by despondency, loss of interest, diminished energy, feelings of guilt or diminished self-worth, disrupted sleep and appetite, and impaired concentration.
It often co-occurs with anxiety. The St. John’s National Academy of Health Sciences underscores depression as a state of mental illness, typified by profound and persistent feelings of sadness or despair. Altering cognition, emotions, social conduct, and physical well-being, depression transcends age groups and can manifest from adolescence to early adulthood, usually starting between the ages of 15 and 30. Some dismiss emotional lows as transient experiences, "it’s just one of those days" yet this belies the insidious accumulation of negative emotions that may escalate into severe mental health problems or even self-destructive acts.
Recognisable indicators of depression encompass sensations of sadness, isolation, diminished interest in once-enjoyable activities, hopelessness, feelings of worthlessness, fatigue, disturbed sleep patterns, appetite shifts, restlessness, and heightened irritability. Detection of one or more of these signals should spur action – seek assistance, for you are the agent of your own transformation. In the words of an English proverb "You may find the worst enemy or best friend in yourself." I implore you to discover your own ally, to be compassionate towards yourself and recognise that the Almighty reserves His most formidable trials for the most resilient of souls. Every hardship carries a cause.
Depression stems from various triggers: bereavement, overthinking, relationship dissolution, family strife, trauma, low self-esteem, financial turmoil, substance misuse, and more. The National Institute of Mental Health delineates multiple types of depression, encompassing major depression, seasonal affective disorder, and depression accompanied by symptoms of psychosis. John Green reminds us, "There is hope, even when your brain tells you there isn’t." To those embarking on the journey of depression, be fortified – triumph is attainable. Amidst the darkest days, choose positivity. Believe that victory over depression is within reach, achieved by understanding your struggle, fostering positive emotions, cultivating new perspectives, managing stress, fostering connections, and instituting lasting transformation.
According to the Help Guide Organisation, you can navigate depression through various strategies: maintaining social connections, indulging in activities that evoke joy, engaging in exercise, adhering to a nourishing diet, absorbing sunlight, and confronting negative thinking. For those supporting a loved one facing depression, extending empathy, patience, and encouragement is paramount.
Suggest engaging outings and therapy adherence, assisting with medication schedules and transportation. To those unacquainted with depression's grasp, exercise kindness, for one's battles remain unseen. Contribute to a better world through empathy and understanding. To the resilient individuals facing depression, triumph over your circumstances is within your grasp. For nothing lasts forever.
*Masendu is a University of Botswana Bachelor of Media Studies student.