Who is at risk?
Depression is a common and serious illness which negatively affects the way you feel, think and act.
Table 2. Who is at risk for developing depression?
| Vulnerable Groups | Reasons |
|---|---|
Age 10-19 years | Adolescents face new stressors such as exams, college admissions, leaving home for college, peer pressure |
Major life changes | Death or illness in family, divorce, victim of crime |
Pregnancy and postpartum | Hormonal and significant lifestyle changes |
Elderly people living alone | They may feel isolated and left out with loss of purpose in life. This is seen more commonly in men. |
Financial problems | Loss in business, getting fired from job |
Social Isolation | Especially after relocation to a new place |
Many of us may have suffered from depression, but may not be aware of it.
Table 1. What are the symptoms of depression?
- Feeling sad
- Feeling empty
- Difficulty enjoying things
- Restlessness, irritability
- Difficulty with concentration and memory
- Reduced performance in work/ school
- Loss of appetite or overeating
- Difficulty sleeping, fatigue or oversleeping
- Headaches, pain, aches, digestive problems
- Suicidal thoughts, attempts
- Family history of psychiatric illness
Depression can present differently in women and men. Women present mostly with sadness, while men may appear angry and tend to use alcohol and drugs more. Some people are also more vulnerable to depression (table 2)
Are you depressed? Take a test:
https://depression.org.nz/is-it-depression-anxiety/self-test/
https://patient.info/news-and-features/quiz-am-i-depressed
- Stay connected. Have a strong network of family and friends. Meet and spend time with them regularly. Eat at least 1 meal with your family each day. Don’t isolate yourself.
- Learn strategies to deal with stress.
- Exercise regularly: endorphins are released from your brain during and will improve your mood.
- Practice meditation and yoga, which will help you relax and think positively.
- Eat a healthy diet, which includes fresh vegetables and fruit. Drink plenty of water.
- Have regular sleep wake times and bedtime routine.
- Avoid alcohol, drugs and smoking.
- Try to create a positive environment for yourself and think positive thoughts daily.
Depression can drain your energy, making it difficult to work, take care of your home/ children and enjoy yourself. If your symptoms are severe, you should visit your doctor.
Being depressed, does not mean that you are weak. Some people are genetically more prone to become depressed, but treatment is available. With appropriate medication treatment and counselling, most people will feel better and can return to living a normal and happy life.
