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Depression, let's talk.



World Health day, 2017.

Let's start talking now

Depression, an everyday word, I hope it means something to you.
There is more to depression than you think of it as an ordinary mood swing. Let's call it medical or significant depression which makes the sufferer unable to pull out by her/himself.
Clinical depression in simple terms is a state of deep persistent hopelessness, for which there may or may not be a traceable cause and is not resolving for a long time.
I think you probably are getting it now. if you have ever seen anybody who looks sad day in day out or keeps crying feeling the world means nothing to her/him, that is probably a case of clinical depression.

Who is affected?

Depression affects a lot of people in the world. I mean it's not uncommon. It affects the rich and the poor, young and old, male and female. We really don't know if there is a specific cause for it, we only know a few things which make some people be more liable to depression than others. Let me spare you those details for now.

How does it manifest?

The tell-tale signs of depression include poor sleep or excessive sleepiness, loss of interest in food, family or work, crying for no tangible reason, persistent sad look, unfounded anger or aggression, talk of suicide, admission of unfounded guilt.

How you can help someone

What can you do if you notice someone around you is exhibiting depressive symptoms?
You must not stigmatise. (Please don't do that).
You need to show love and provide a listening ear for the person. family or friends care can help the symptoms of depression.
Help the person to see a doctor or get a doctor to see the person.
Please participate in their treatment if they are family members.
Encourage the person to be drug-compliant if a doctor has given a medication.

***Please note that Depression is treatable***


The Don'ts of depression:

  • Do not stigmatise. (you may worsen the person's symptoms)
  • Don't leave the person who has suicidal ideation to stay alone.
  • Do not leave elderly people to live alone or they may soon lapse into depression.

Can you prevent depression?

Yes, to some extent, we can if you follow these pieces of advice:
Avoid stress. Seek help quickly when you face family, work or marital pressures.
Eat fruits and vegetables.
Do not stop anti-depressant medications mid-way because you feel better at some point.
Do not give in to negative thoughts and be sure to build a good self-esteem.

Examples of depressions that you relate to:


  • The old woman who is tagged as a witch in the family or on the street will soon become depressed and unfounded guilt feelings may make her confess that she'll actually a witch.
  • Suicidal attempt victims usually tell different stories of how sad they have been feeling before their attempt. That's another classical depression.
  • A boss at work who has not been smiling lately and always get angry at everybody at the slightest provocation may be suffering from some levels of depression.

Do you need help?

If you have read through all these and you thinking you may have experienced some of these symptoms, these are the things you need to do.

  • Talk more to people around you about how you feel
  • Take a stroll more often and enjoy the beauty of nature around you
  • Find the courage to see a doctor who will properly assess you.
  • Cultivate a positive mindset. Try to think more about the things that made you joyful in the past
  • Stay around positive people.
  • Please take your medications as prescribed by your doctor.
  • Let someone know if you're having suicidal thoughts




I hope you have learnt some basic things about depression. Please be free to send in your comments and questions.
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