8/10/2021
Depression – The tell-tale signs
By Melody Ajiambo Depression (major depressive disorder) is a common and serious medical condition that negatively affects how you feel, the way you think, and how you act. Depression causes feelings of sadness and/or a loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed. It can lead to a variety of emotional and physical problems and can decrease your ability to function at work and home. In Kenya, depression is widely disregarded; most people never think of it as a serious medical condition that needs treatment. Sometimes, people misuse the word when they feel a little bit stressed or when they have lost control of the situation. So, when someone says they are depressed, people don’t take it seriously. Mrs. Edith Nelima Masibo, a counseling psychologist at Kenyatta National Hospital sheds some light on this topic. She explains that depression is more common in the country than we think. “This condition affects people of all ages regardless of social status or cultural background and that even though it is prevalent among the youth, children can be depressed too,” she says.
Since the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic, many people sunk into depression. The youth became bored and unproductive in their homes while most parents lost their jobs and sources of income. Some senior members of the society were deserted by their providers. With many experiencing pandemic fatigue, gender-based violence within families increased, plunging society into nightmarish depression. Further risk factors include the experience of loss, loneliness, discrimination, a relationship breakup, financial problems, chronic pain and illness, violence, abuse, and family conflict. Suicide and homicide cases related to depression are higher than ever in Kenya’s history. There is a need to address this problem and find a lasting solution, but first, how can we help? How can you tell that someone is truly depressed? Depression symptoms can vary from mild to severe and can include: • Persistent feeling of sadness. • Loss of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed • Changes in appetite — weight loss or gain unrelated to dieting • Unexplained physical ailments • Trouble sleeping or sleeping
ISSUE 21 | Kenyatta National Hospital Newsline
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too much Loss of energy or increased fatigue Increase in purposeless physical activity (e.g., inability to sit still, pacing) or slowed movements or speech (these actions must be severe enough to be observable by others) Feeling worthless or guilty/ low self-esteem Talking negatively about themselves. Difficulty thinking, concentrating, or making decisions Thoughts of death or suicide
With our close friends and family, we may easily notice signs of depression, the same can’t be said about our workplaces – we spend a short period socially with our colleagues. Furthermore, some people know how to hide their problems, a depressed person may be the comedian of the group or the carefree guy that offers the best advice. However, if we are keen enough, we may just see some personality changes in a depressed person. More often than not, people experiencing severe depression become suicidal (attempt or sometimes take away their own
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