THERE ARE WAYS TO OVERCOME DEPRESSION

“‘I’M depressed, I’m losing it,” those close to hip-hop star Jabulani Tsambo aka Hip-Hop Pantsula (HHP) reported this is what he said days before he died.

They described how he spoke of hopelessness and the feeling of his life spiraling out of control.

HHP’s death and that of many before him, celebrities and ordinary people alike, is proof that depression is a common mental health disorder.

We live in a world that doesn’t understand depression and anxiety, or mental health in general.

As we observe October as Mental Health Awareness month, we must acknowledge that depression and mental illness is real. It is around us, in our homes, schools and the workplace.

For several reasons, depression is often not a simple matter. Coexisting mental and physical illnesses can make the recognition of depression difficult. Moreover, some people may have physical symptoms that can mask depression, while others have feelings of extreme sadness which can be pointers to a deeper problem.

Many individuals who experience emotional symptoms of depression report gaining little pleasure from almost any activity as HHP reportedly said.

Some report feeling angry, dismal, agitated, humiliated, and often melancholy to the point of tears, sad, miserable, meaningless, and even anxious.

Anyone who experiences any of these symptoms for more than two weeks is advised to see their doctor.

It is reported that people aged between 25 and 44 are most affected by depression and take more than 18 days per annum off work because of it. HOW TO BEAT DEPRESSION First, we must start by talking about it more freely and openly.

We must listen to our friends and colleagues well so that where the signs mentioned above raise an alarm bell, we can make gentle nudges to them to see a doctor to discuss things.

Then, if the diagnosis is made, we must stick to the treatment and therapy for at least nine months.

Workplaces need to consider their policies to make sure that there is room for effective treatment for those who have mental illness as they could still be effective contributors, even while on treatment.

However, since prevention is better than cure, psychologists list steps to reduce the likelihood of mental illness, but they should also be used to manage early depression.

Analyse how you view the world and your place in it.

Done regularly and with friends, this will reduce our likelihood of being too extreme in our way of thinking which often leads to feelings of hopelessness;

Use the power of positive and solution thinking.

There are books to help along the journey of forming good mental health habits.

Making time for yourself can help reduce stress;

Increase your physical activity;

Eat healthily. Choose balanced meals on a regular basis;

Get a health risk assessment and/or a thorough medical examination.

Depression can happen to anyone. With improved diagnosis and treatment, everyone has the potential to experience a better quality of life and prevent tragedy.