Dealing with depression

The world that we are living in can be a lonely place, especially considering what we have been dealing with for the last number of years.

The South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) reports that it’s call centre received more than three hundred thousand calls in 2020. Recognising when someone is going through depression is not always easy, particularly due to the fact that the illness manifests differently in different people.

While sadness or “feeling low” are often the more obvious symptoms, other symptoms can include irritability, anger, memory loss, finding it difficult to focus one’s thoughts, and confusion. Extreme tiredness, disrupted sleep patterns and physical symptoms like stomach pain, constant headaches, or even prolonged back pain, can also be telling signs of depression.

SADAG provides the following guidelines for assisting someone that is displaying signs of depression:

Listen: While being physically present is often best, a video chat can also be helpful.
Support: Provide support for ongoing therapy and assistance in attending scheduled appointments.
Assistance: Offer to help with everyday responsibilities.
Stay connected: Continue to extend invitations to activities, even if you know the person is unlikely to accept.
Be patient: While depression usually improves with treatment, it can be a lengthy process.
Self-care: If you put all your energy into supporting your friend, you’ll have very little left for yourself – be mindful of your own needs.

The following is a list of things to avoid doing when helping someone that is suffering from depression:

Avoid telling them to ‘snap out of it’ or ‘pull themselves together’.
Do not encourage alcohol and drug use as a way of coping.
Make sure that you do not start avoiding them – they already feel lonely and isolated.
Do not assume the problem will go away on its own.
Be careful not to judge or criticise them for what they’re going through.
It is important to not make them feel that they are weak or a burden to others.
Do your utmost to not take things that they say or do personally.
Every sufferer’s experience of depression is unique – do not make light of their feelings or compare their situation to that of other people.

People with depression often reach out when they are reaching the end of their tether – thoughts about suicide or self-harm should always be taken seriously. When someone you know expresses suicidal thoughts or feelings, try to ensure that they are not left alone until they have received some form of professional support.

Momentum Health provides the following list of crises support numbers:

Cipla 24hr Mental Health Helpline 0800 456 789
Pharmadynamics Police &Trauma Line 0800 20 50 26
Adcock Ingram Depression and Anxiety Helpline 0800 70 80 90
ADHD Helpline 0800 55 44 33
Department of Social Development Substance Abuse Line 24hr helpline 0800 12 13 14 / SMS 32312
Suicide Crisis Line 0800 567 567
SADAG Mental Health Line 011 234 4837
Akeso Psychiatric Response Unit 24 Hour 0861 435 787
Cipla Whatsapp Chat Line (9am-4pm, 7 days a week) 076 882 2775

The information contained in this article is of a general nature and intended for information purposes only. The information and other content provided in this article are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice, nor is the information a substitute for professional medical expertise or treatment. If you or any other person has a medical concern, you should consult with your health care provider or seek other professional medical treatment. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.