LIFESTYLE NEWS - October being Mental Health Awareness Month and the focus is on our mental state. More people have experienced depressive thoughts and high levels of anxiety because of the havoc caused in the world by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Remember that life is full of emotional ups and downs and everyone experiences the “blues” from time to time, but when the “down” times are long lasting or interfere with an individual’s ability to function at home or at work, that person may be suffering from a common, serious illness - depression.

Clinical depression affects mood, mind, body and behaviour.

Research has shown that 20% of the population will develop a depressive disorder during the course of their lives, and nearly two thirds do not get the help they require.

Between 80% and 90% of all depressed people respond to treatment and nearly all depressed people who receive treatment see at least some relief from their symptoms. Yet, because it often goes unrecognised, depression continues to cause unnecessary suffering.

Depression is one of the most treatable mental illnesses.

Along with the great strides made in understanding the cause of depression, scientists are closer to understanding how treatment of the illness works.

Before any treatment programme begins, however, a complete evaluation is essential. Depression is a complex illness, and many factors in a depressed person’s life may feed into their condition. 

For example, a number of prevalent illnesses (such as hypothyroidism or hypertension) and commonly used medications can bring on depression. An evaluation will reveal the presence of these conditions or medicines to the psychiatrist.

Fore more information, visit www.sadag.org.za.

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