From personal experiences of having depression, I understand how difficult it is fr the person suffering to explain what is going on for them internally. You know that you are feeling really low but also more then that. It is difficult to explain to someone who has not experienced being depressed. But let me give it a go.
Depression is one of those illnesses that is so linked into ‘how we are feeling’ that we tend to tie it in very easily with feeling ‘low’ or ‘high’. Depression is not the feeling you get when one you are “just feeling low” or having a bad day. Depression affects the body first, then when it wears down one’s immune system, it attacks one’s brain; i.e.; one’s thoughts. Negative thoughts take over the mind. The depressed person is not inventing all of the emotional stress and turmoil. It is very real.
True depression is a disease of the central nervous system; just like epilepsy or Parkinson’s disease are diseases of the central nervous system. Depression usually seems to begin with sleep disturbances (as it was with my case also, with the ‘bad’ dreams, lack of sleep or sleeping too much). At first it is manageable, but as lack of sleep builds up over time, other symptoms such as having no appetite appear as well. Chemical changes begin to appear in the brain. A chemical called Serotonin is lacking in depressed individuals. This chemical regulates a person’s mood. When this chemical is in short supply, it causes mood swings and emotional instability; which leads to difficulty in effectively dealing with life’s problems. The depression then begins to eat a person alive. It is all consuming, one loses the ability to function properly. Happiness becomes a fading memory.
Is Depression a Mental Illness?
Depression is called a “mental” illness because it affects the thinking patterns of the brain. Depression is a neurobiological illness; i.e. the disease has a biological basis in that chemicals are not properly balanced in the brain. ‘Feeling Low’ is a form of depression, although a very minor form. They are the body’s way of regulating immune function and forcing us to rest. But, ‘feeling low’ is NOT the same as major clinical depression.
It is possible to be depressed and not know it. This is very common. Depression dampens your awareness of feelings. Not only that, but the low mood, the sadness we normally associate with depression, is often a minor aspect of depression. The low mood comes after the other symptoms have already been there for a while. It’s quite possible for people not to realize they’re depressed when the sadness component is missing and all they feel is lethargy and lack of interest.
The common symptoms of depression are :
- Sleep disturbances such as insomnia, early morning waking, or oversleeping
- Eating disturbances (either loss of appetite and weight or gain in appetite and weight)
- Restlessness, irritability, and violent mood swings
- Difficulty in concentrating, remembering, and in making decisions
- Decreased energy, fatigue, being slowed down.
- Loss of interest or pleasure in favorite activities, including sex. (some, however, become overly promiscous in sex)
- Feelings of guilt, hopelessness, pessimism, or helplessness (Depressed people may burst out crying for no apparant reason)
- Thoughts of death or suicide, even suicide attempts
- Physical symptoms such as headaches, chronic pain, or digestive disorders that do not respond to treatment
- In nearly all depression there is a state of fatigue. That’s one of the essential symptoms. There’s also a general lack of interest in life and of energy to perform usual duties or to engage in normal activities. The sufferer becomes lethargic, lying around a lot, refusing to get out of bed, or escaping into television watching, alcohol, drugs, or other activities that make no demands.
If you feel that you are suffering from depression, you have a few options for help. Go to a clinic and do undergo tests to determine if you have an under-active thyroid. If the thyroid test comes back o.k., your doctor may be able to refer you to a psychologist and/or psychiatrist.
You may also contact OPEN Minds via our facebook page (privately) for more information on community services or private mental health professionals.
If a person you know is depressed, DO NOT avoid your friend; this is the WORST POSSIBLE thing you could do, especially if he/she is suicidal. Your friend needs somebody to talk to. Please help him/her. Your mere presence is a powerful therapeutic tool for your friend. Simple things such as going for a walk or calling on the phone will help tremendously. Depression is a very dangerous disease in that a person’s life becomes clouded with negativity, so much so that suicidal thoughts and attempts are common. DO NOT let this person be alone when he/she needs your friendship. Help salvage your friend’s life. BE THERE for them.
OPEN Minds Kenya 