Today on World Health Day let us all step forward and mobilise action on Depression. Depression affects people of all ages, from all walks of life, in all countries. It causes mental anguish and impacts on people's ability to carry out even the simplest everyday tasks, with sometimes devastating consequences for relationships with family and friends and the ability to earn a living. At worst, depression can lead to suicide, now the second leading cause of death among 15-29-year olds.
Yet, depression can be prevented and treated. A better understanding of what depression is, and how it can be prevented and treated, will help reduce the stigma associated with the condition and lead to more people seeking help.
Living with someone with depression can be difficult, thus everyone should understand that depression is an illness, not a character weakness. The support of friends and family facilitates recovery from depression. Patience and perseverance are needed, as recovery can take time and stress can make depression worse.
This is what you can do to support people who are depressed:
" Make it clear that you want to help, listen without judgement, and offer support.
" Find out more about depression.
" Encourage them to seek professional help when available. Offer to accompany them to appointments.
" If medication is prescribed, help them to take it as prescribed. Be patient; it usually takes a few weeks to feel better.
" Help them with everyday tasks and to have regular eating and sleeping patterns.
" Encourage regular exercise and social activities.
" Encourage them to focus on the positive, rather than the negative.
" If they are thinking about self-harm, or have already intentionally harmed themselves, do not leave them alone. Seek further help from the emergency services or a health-care professional. In the meantime, remove items such as medications, sharp objects and firearms.
Take care of yourself too. Try to find ways to relax and continue doing things you enjoy.
