Bisi’s story
After 20 years of working for a company she loved with all her heart, Bisi was laid off for no obvious reasons. She never saw it coming. Bisi is a single mother raising two teenagers. She then decided to set up her business which she presumed was going to be very successful. Prior to this, Bisi had no formal business management training except the in house training she got from her former job. Since she started her business, things haven’t been going as planned, so she felt like a failure. Bisi is up all night, feels unhappy, and she eats more than before. She is gradually withdrawing to herself, and now losing interest in the business.
Ngozi’s story
Ngozi was a former head of service in her state. Since retiring, Ngozi and her husband have traveled a lot — USA, Europe, Australia, South Africa, etc — they have been everywhere. Ngozi then decided to go into agricultural farming just to keep her mind and body fit, also to make some cash. Not too long, a bank offered to finance the business due to her past records and the potentials they see in the business. After a year of the business and how much it has grown, a government grant was approved to take the business on an international platform. …And then, the SAD news, Ngozi’s husband of 36 years died of a heart attack. She has been in mourning since then. The business is gradually losing its flavour, she rarely gets out of bed, and she doesn’t accept visitors into her home anymore.
Amina’s story
Many of Amina’s family members have suffered with depression. From sister to cousin, etc. But nobody ever talked about it as a medical condition that should be addressed. Amina has been dealing with depression since she was a teenager. She is now 35. She has tried to kill herself thrice. Amina is a very successful business woman known all over the country including internationally. Her business is a house hold name and a role model to many young ladies, especially those in business. Amina has never been in counseling. “What is wrong with me?” she always asks herself. She just can’t seem to “shake it off.”
What are the signs of depression?
Not all people with depression have the same symptoms. Some people might only have a few, and others a lot. How often symptoms occur, and how long they last, is different for each person. Symptoms of depression include:Feeling sad, anxious, or “empty”; Feeling hopeless; Loss of interest in hobbies and activities that you once enjoyed; Decreased energy; Difficulty staying focused, remembering, making decisions; Sleeplessness, early morning awakening, or oversleeping and not wanting to get up; No desire to eat and weight loss or eating to “feel better” and weight gain; Thoughts of hurting yourself; Thoughts of death or suicide; Easily annoyed, bothered, or angered; Constant physical symptoms that do not get better with treatment, such as headaches, upset stomach, and pain that doesn’t go away
Here are some people and places that can help you get treatment: Family doctor; Counselors or social workers; Family service, social service agencies, or clergy person; Employee assistance programs (EAP); Psychologists and Psychiatrists.
What if I have thoughts of hurting myself?
Depression can make you think about hurting yourself or suicide. You may hurt yourself to:
Take away emotional pain and distress; Avoid, distract from, or hold back strong feelings; Try to feel better; Stop a painful memory or thought; Release or express anger that you’re afraid to express to others. You also can talk with a family member you trust, a clergy person, or a doctor. There is nothing wrong with asking for help — everyone needs help sometimes.
How is depression found and treated?
Most people with depression get better when they get treatment. The first step to getting the right treatment is to see a doctor. Certain medicines, and some medical conditions (such as viruses or a thyroid disorder), can cause the same symptoms as depression. Also, it is important to rule out depression that is associated with another mental illness called bipolar disorder. A doctor can rule out these possibilities with a physical exam, asking questions, and/or lab tests, depending on the medical condition. If a medical condition and bipolar disorder can be ruled out, the doctor should conduct a psychological exam or send the person to a mental health professional.
Therapy and counselling; Medicine called antidepressants; Both therapy and medicine
Some people with milder forms of depression do well with therapy alone. Others with moderate to severe depression might benefit from antidepressants. It may take a few weeks or months before you begin to feel a change in your mood. Some people do best with both treatments — therapy and antidepressants.
How can I help myself if I am depressed?
You may feel exhausted, helpless, and hopeless. It may be very hard to do anything to help yourself. But it is important to realize that these feelings are part of the depression and do not reflect real life. As you understand your depression and begin treatment, negative thinking will fade. In the meantime: Engage in mild activity or exercise. Go to a movie, a ballgame, or another event or activity that you once enjoyed. Participate in religious, social, or other activities. Set realistic goals for yourself.
Break up large tasks into small ones, set some priorities and do what you can as you can. Try to spend time with other people and confide in a trusted friend or relative. Try not to isolate yourself, and let others help you. Expect your mood to improve gradually, not immediately. Do not expect to suddenly “snap out of” your depression. Often during treatment for depression, sleep and appetite will begin to improve before your depressed mood lifts.
Postpone important decisions, such as getting married or divorced or changing jobs, until you feel better. Discuss decisions with others who know you well and have a more objective view of your situation. Be confident that positive thinking will replace negative thoughts as your depression responds to treatment.
MAYMUNAH KADIRI
MAYMUNAH KADIRI, Consultant Neuro Psychiatrist & Psychotherapist
