There’s no need to feel down about depression


Unchecked depression can also lead to isolation and social withdrawal which can make matters worse. (Rawpixel pic)

Contrary to popular belief, depression is a mood disorder caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain that results in prolonged episodes of sadness, lack of interest and a general loss of hope for at least two weeks, all of which can affect a depressed person’s day-to-day functions.

While it is quite normal to feel down and unmotivated sometimes, depression is more constant. The struggles are real, and this disease needs to be addressed early before it’s too late. Unfortunately, the stigma associated with it prevents its sufferers from seeking early medical attention.

Leo (not his real name), a lecturer, is a prime example.

Unable to sleep, he was constantly waking up every hour throughout the night. Going to work became such a challenging task that he had to drag himself out of bed every morning.

At work, he was easily agitated even at the smallest mistakes. He often felt useless and guilty when things were not done properly, as if he had failed to guide and teach his students.

Due to the heavy workload, he constantly felt fatigued, even losing his appetite which subsequently led to unhealthy weight loss.

Despite displaying all the symptoms of depression, Leo was still unaware he had a mental illness. When he became forgetful and had trouble concentrating, he realised that something was not right and that it was time to seek professional help.

Initially, he thought that he was experiencing burnout, one of the most common complications that affects anyone holding down a stressful job.

Even so, seeking professional help wasn’t easy for him, as he was afraid of the stigma of being diagnosed with a mental illness besides feeling fearful that it would render him unfit to be a lecturer.

Untreated clinical depression can lead to heart disease due to continuous stress and cognitive impairment. (Rawpixel pic)
Clinical depression can also lead to heart disease due to continuous stress and cognitive impairment. (Rawpixel pic)

After a psychiatrist evaluated his condition, Leo was told he was suffering from double depression, a condition where both Major Depressive Disorder and Persistent Depressive Disorder (Dysthymia) coexist.

He was told that he required psychotherapy and pharmacological treatment to alleviate his symptoms. The psychiatrist explained that there was a chemical imbalance in his brain which needed to be treated with antidepressants.

However, psychotherapy alone was insufficient.

Although he accepted the diagnosis, Leo was reluctant to take antidepressants. He still felt that his depression wasn’t severe enough to warrant the medication. So, although the psychiatrist prescribed the antidepressants, Leo refused to take them.

Without the antidepressants, his condition prolonged. He would plunge into melancholy every day, even while teaching students at work. He constantly felt that he was a burden to others; and he hated himself.

As a consequence, he preferred to be alone. He isolated himself from friends and family without realising that social withdrawal only worsened his condition.

When his psychiatrist found out that he wasn’t taking his medication, she patiently explained the consequences of untreated clinical depression.

She explained to him that this included increased risk of heart disease due to continuous stress, recurrent infections as a result of a weakened immune system and the loss of higher mental function or cognitive impairment.

She further explained that he needed antidepressants on top of psychotherapy in order to make a full recover.

Afraid that things would worsen, Leo finally agreed to take the antidepressants as well as attend therapy sessions.

Therapy sessions are crucial in addressing and apprehending clinical depression. (Rawpixel pic)

Leo’s condition gradually improved. He was able to return to work, feeling more positive about things and began to enjoy his daily activities once again. In fact, his students and family saw a huge improvement in him and were happy to have the old Leo back.

Many people believe that patients of depression have a weak personality or a deficient character. They perceive depression as a result of a personal inadequacy and a lack of willpower mentally, emotionally and spiritually. It is usually thought to be a person’s failure to face the challenges of life.

However, suffering from a mental illness is not the same as having a physical illness.

A physical illness is visible and hence, easier to treat. People can see the abnormalities and appreciate the pain of physical illness.

Mental illness on the other hand, is an internal struggle, hence, people find it difficult to understand. Despite being prevalent in our society, depression remains a taboo topic and a widely stigmatised illness in general.

Today, Leo advises sufferers not to be afraid to seek help from a counsellor, psychologist or psychiatrist. Early intervention prevents further complications from the disease and a return to a normal cherished life.

As we can see from Leo’s story, mental illness can hit anyone at any time in their lives, and it is not an easy decision for sufferers to seek professional help.

Nevertheless, seeking professional help is necessary to obtain a proper diagnosis, suitable treatment and appropriate therapy to put you back on the healthy path again.

TELEME Healing Life Stories is a collection of inspirational stories of how ordinary people triumph over their health conditions and recover to lead a healthier life. Email [email protected] to share your story.

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