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Depression can be draining. It is that sudden overwhelming feeling that makes even the most menial activities impossible.
That’s what it has been like for Dineo Mogale, a young professional who was diagnosed with depression.
Speaking about her battle with the mental health condition during a #BreakingDepression virtual event on Monday, Mogale described living with depression as debilitating.
In South Africa, mental illness remains largely stigmatised, preventing people from seeking help and talking about what they are experiencing.
#BreakingDepression is an initiative that aims to reduce the stigma surrounding depression and to assist people living with the condition through education, professional advice, insight and tips for themselves, their caregivers and those who support them.
READ: PODCAST | BREAKING POINT: Episode 1
Mogale felt “emotionally and mentally unavailable”. Her depression also resulted in loss of concentration at work.
Cape Town-based psychiatrist Dr Lerato Dikobe-Kalane described depression as “more than just feeling blue, but a persistently low mood that affects how a person functions”.
Dikobe-Kalane suggested that those experiencing persistent low energy, struggling to focus, feeling guilty, tired and worthless, and who find themselves sleeping too much or too little, need to get help as soon as possible.
“Breaking depression is possible and help is available, but people first need to speak up when something is not right and when they are not feeling healthy and happy,” she said.
After a long battle with depression, Mogale said she decided to reclaim her life by speaking with her doctor, who prescribed treatment that had a positive impact on her life.
With the right treatment, she was able to better understand her depression and reframe her internal negative dialogue.
“I am happy because I have seen a positive change in my life and my mood is more stable.
“When I feel something, I acknowledge it and move on. I don’t wallow in my negative emotions.”
Cassey Chambers of the SA Depression and Anxiety Group (Sadag) said people should not be ashamed or afraid to seek treatment. She advised those struggling with feeling lost to seek the right treatment and support.
“That’s why we often link depression treatment to the Japanese art form known as kintsugi, in which artists use gold to repair broken objects and, in so doing, make the objects even more beautiful than before. There is hope, and people with depression don’t have to suffer in silence.”
Signs of depression
Depression and a strong desire to escape despair and pain can often trigger suicidal thoughts.
After a loved one commits suicide as a result of depression, many people blame themselves for failing to see the signs in time and preventing the tragedy. However, depression is largely considered a “silent killer” because the signs are not always easy to identify.
READ: Breaking the stigma: Mental health in the workplace – 5 articles you must read
While they differ among people, the most common symptoms include:
- Loss of appetite or excessive eating;
- Loss of motivation;
- Inability to derive pleasure from things one used to enjoy; and
- Fluctuations in sleep patterns.
When and where to get help
If you are unable to cope with feelings of despondency, can no longer function at work or have had suicidal thoughts, seek help immediately.
The following institutions provide free mental health support:
- Sadag: 080 012 1314
- Adock-Ingram Depression and Anxiety Hotline: 080 070 8090
- Life Line SA: 086 132 2322
- Befrienders Bloemfontein: 051 444 5000
You can also consult your general practitioner, who will either prescribe medication or refer you to a specialist, counsellor, therapist or support group.
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