Depression: Let’s talk

Depression is estimated to affect 4% of the world population and is linked to close to 800,000 suicides per year globally according to the World Health Estimates of the World Health Organisation published earlier this year.

The same report quotes research conducted worldwide in 2015, with estimates of prevalence of mental and behaviour disorders indicating that in Malta 5.1% of the population suffer from depressive disorders and 4.9% from anxiety disorders. Translated into crude numbers this means 40,000 adults or one tenth of the Maltese population.

World Health Day 2017, the annual initiative of WHO, is focusing this year on the theme ‘Depression: Let’s talk’. Depression affects people of all ages, from all walks of life, in all countries. It causes mental anguish and impacts on people’s ability to carry out even the simplest everyday tasks, with sometimes devastating consequences for relationships with family and friends and the ability to earn a living. At worst, depression can lead to suicide, now the second leading cause of death among 1529-year olds. Yet, depression can be prevented and treated. A better understanding of what depression is, and how it can be prevented and treated, will help reduce stigma associated with the condition, and lead to more people seeking help.

What is depression?

Depression is an illness characterised by persistent sadness and a loss of interest in activities that you normally enjoy, accompanied by an inability to carry out daily activities, for at least two weeks. In addition, people with depression normally have several of the following symptoms: A loss of energy; a change in appetite; sleeping more or less; anxiety; reduced concentration; indecisiveness; restlessness; feelings of worthlessness, guilt, or hopelessness; and thoughts of self-harm or suicide. This is well described in the WHO video ‘Depression: what you should know’.

Why talk about mental illness?

The importance of talking about depression is a vital component of recovery. Talking about depression, with a family member, friend or medical professional; or in larger groups, such as in schools, workplaces and social settings; or in the public domain, in the news media, blogs or social media, helps break down this stigma, ultimately leading to more people seeking help. Depression can affect anyone. The WHO, recommends particular attention and focus on the following three groups that are disproportionally affected: Adolescents and young adults, women of childbearing age (particularly following childbirth), and older adults (over 60s).

What is the message?

Depression is common and affects people of all ages, from all walks of life, in all countries.

The risk of becoming depressed is increased by poverty, unemployment, life events such as the death of loved ones or relationship break-ups, physical illness and problems caused by alcohol and drug abuse.

Depression impacts on people’s ability to carry out even the simplest everyday tasks, with sometimes devastating consequences for relationships with family and friends.

Untreated depression can prevent people from working and participating in family and community life.

At worst, depression can lead to suicide.

Depression can be effectively prevented and treated. Treatment usually involves either a talking therapy or antidepressant medication or a combination of these.

What can I do?

If you feel that you have one or more of the above mentioned symptoms of depression don’t waste more time – SEEK HELP. It is not a sign of weakness to seek help but a sign of courage and willingness to move forward.

If you do not feel strong enough to take action on your own, speak to a family member, a friend or a trusted person to help you to seek help.

Speak to your family doctor or any GP within the public sector. Seeking help is the first step to recovery. If you are running a very high fever you do not postpone and nobody would try to dissuade you from seeking help.

Why is it not the same if you feel symptoms of depression?

If you notice signs in family or friends encourage them to seek help in a gentle and caring manner, assure them that they are loved the way they are and that they will feel better with appropriate treatment.

In the case of a depressed child or adolescent, help the youngster get treatment.

If the depressed person is functional and refuses treatment, seek the assistance of other friends, a professional, relatives – who might convince him or her that treatment is needed and will help.

If the depressed person is an expectant or a new mother, this needs to be treated with immediate effect to protect both mother and child. Being pregnant or having a new-born may not always trigger positive reactions in the person, there is nothing wrong in getting timely help.

In the case of an older person you can get help from a mental health specialist who has geriatric experience and who may be willing to reach out to the older person by telephone and home visits.

It is not always easy to help the depressed person get treatment, but it can be done, and helping can make you both feel better.

What does the Office of the Commissioner think of this campaign?

As an office we do not offer services directly to people who have mental health problems but we are always willing to direct queries and help people to access the right treatment, at the right time, from the right professional. As an office we safeguard patients’ rights, fight stigma in all possible ways and ensure that people with a mental health problem are treated fairly and with dignity.