Depression is much more than feeling blue, wanting to stay in bed or being tearful. You can be depressed and still manage to smile, chat to colleagues and function relatively well.
However, feelings of hopelessness can sneak up on you and grow stronger each day, until it is the only feeling left.
Last year, the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (Sadag) saw a significant increase of more than 1 400 daily calls from people seeking help.
Depression is serious and can leave people feeling anxious, overwhelmed, hopeless and helpless, to the point where their functioning becomes impaired.
Other symptoms may include feeling empty or frequently exhausted, experiencing a loss of interest in favourite activities, having difficulty sleeping or concentrating, feeling worthless or guilty and encountering suicidal thoughts.
“If you are struggling with depression, it is important to take action and seek the help you need, the same way you would see a doctor for a sore throat or a sprained ankle,” said Dr Eugene Allers, a prominent psychiatrist.
Further advice is:
Reach out
Isolation makes depression worse. Get in touch with loved ones who make you feel safe, and talk to them. Sometimes you need someone to listen and not judge what you are going through.
Get active
Exercise may be the last thing you feel like, but being active can help you feel better. A run, walk around the block or a hike can ease your depression and lift your energy.
Set easy and realistic goals
Break tasks down, so that you do not feel overwhelmed. Instead of cleaning the house, consider taking out the garbage. Once that is done, see how you feel before taking on the next task.
Enjoy a nutritious meal
Certain foods like refined carbs, sugar, caffeine and alcohol can affect your mood, and not in a good way.
Add mood-enhancing nutrients such as vegetables, lean meats and omega 3 fatty acids to your diet for a boost of energy, and to improve your overall well-being.
Reward yourself
Recognise and celebrate your achievements, no matter how small. It will be easier to push aside negative talk and feelings when you remember how far you have come.
Get treatment
With the right treatment and support, breaking with depression is possible.
Seek professional help. Give yourself time to heal and soon you can look back on your experiences and how they made you the person you are.
