Coco-Bassey Esu|9 April 2017
All around the world today health practitioners gather to celebrate the world health day with the theme 'DEPRESSION Let's talk it' , and Cross River State was not left out as the State Health team organized different medical outreaches in different locations of the State.
The theme for this year's celebration is 'DEPRESSION, Let's talk it,' and as such the cross river state ministry of health partnered with the Federal Neuro-psychiatric Hospital Calabar ,Medical Women Association of Nigeria (MWAN),and Leo District 404 A2 Nigeria to sensitize the public on everything depression and ways of managing the ailment.
In a presentation made during the celebration Dr Michael Olutoke a professional Neuro-psychiatric described depression as a mental health disorder with dangerous tendencies. He highlighted the benefits of seeing a psychiatrist whenever one feels low or a need arises
The event was chaired by the Chairman House Committee on Health, Dr Ekpo Ekpo Bassey, who in his described ways the government are doing all it can through the state health insurance policy to bring healthcare closer to the people without restrains in their pockets.
The State Commissioner for Health, Dr Inyang Asibong highlighted the need for effective communication irrespective of the situation as this is the first step to winning against depression. She also assured the public that the administration of Sen Prof Ben Ayade through the State Ministry of Health and the Primary Healthcare Development Agency will continue to partner with the Federal Neuro-psychiatric Hospital to fight depression and all other forms of mental health disorder.
Depression is an illness that involves the body, mood and thoughts and affects the way a person eats and sleeps, the way one feels about oneself, and the way one thinks about things.
FACTS ABOUT DEPRESSION.
* A depressive disorder is a mood disorder that is characterised by a sad, blue mood that goes above and beyond normal sadness or grief.
* One in 10 people will have a depression in their lifetime.
* Depressive disorders feature not only negative thoughts, moods and behaviours but also specific changes in bodily functions like eating, sleeping, energy and sexual activity, as well as developing aches or pains.
* Some type of depression, especially bipolar depression, run in families.
* Depression is only diagnosed clinically in that there is no laboratory test or x-ray for depression.
* Depression is not a weakness but a serious mental illness with biological, psychological, and social aspects to its cause, symptoms and treatment..
* There are many safe and effective medications, particularly the SSRI antidepressants, that can be of great help in the treatment of depression.
* Depression does not discriminate. Men and women of every age, educational level, and social and economic background suffer from depression.
* Once an episode of depression occurs, it is also likely that it will recur.
* The impact of depression can be severe when it occurs in combination with other medical illnesses such as diabetes, stroke, cardiovascular disease or with related disorders such as anxiety or substance abuse.
CAUSES OF DEPRESSION.
**Genetic characteristics.
**Changes in hormonal levels.
** Certain medical illnesses.
** Stress, grief or substance abuse.
COMPLICATIONS OF DEPRESSION.
* Alcohol use /abuse /other psychoactive substance use problems.
* Anxiety disorder.
* Reduced functioning / productivity.
* Panic disorder.
* Suicidal attempt (3 of every 20 depressed persons die by suicide.).
SYMPTOMS OF DEPRESSION.
» FEELING
*Sadness
*Hopelessness.
*Guilt.
*Moodiness.
*Angry outbursts.
*Loss of interest in friends, family and favourite activities including sex.
» THOUGHTS.
*Trouble concentrating.
*Trouble making decisions.
*Trouble remembering.
*Thoughts of harming yourself.
*Delusions and /or hallucinations can also occur in cases of severe depression.
» BEHAVIOURS.
*Withdrawal from people.
*Substance abuse.
*Missing work, school or other commitments.
*Attempt to harm yourself.
» PHYSICAL PROBLEMS.
*Tiredness or lack of energy.
*Unexplained aches and pains.
*Changes in appetite.
*Weight gain.
* Changes in sleep.
*Sexual problems.
MANAGEMENT / TREATMENT OF DEPRESSION.
>Psycho education.
> Addressing current psycho social stressors.
>Exercise and other therapies..
>Brain stimulation therapies including electro convulsive therapy.
>Drug treatment – antidepressants.
Coco-Bassey Esu
Writes from Calabar
