Depression: It is the economy, silly

Feel like the economy is so deep in recession, you might just be depressed? You are not alone.  Doctors this week linked depression to the funk the economy has been in for months, calling on government to bring the country out of recession with a view to curb the rise of depression nationwide. The Association […]

Feel like the economy is so deep in recession, you might just be depressed? You are not alone. 

Doctors this week linked depression to the funk the economy has been in for months, calling on government to bring the country out of recession with a view to curb the rise of depression nationwide.

The Association of General and Private Medical Practitioners of Nigeria doesn’t have statistical linkage between both points, but its president  Dr Frank Odafen says, “Depression is directly proportional to the inclement economic condition such as recession which creates unwholesome psycho-social upheaval in any human being making them to feel worthless and unfulfilled.”

“Depression is a leading cause of disability worldwide with a global rise of 800,000 deaths due to suicide (mostly associated with depression) annually, making it the second leading cause of death in the 15-29 years old.”

The focus around depression is talking about it-and getting to terms with factors responsible as unemployment, hunger, loneliness, frustration among others.

So what other factors play a role in depression? It turns out nearly everything-from grief and loneliness to health challenges like menopause, heart problems and type 2 diabetes, and even drugs you take for them.

Low levels of vitamin B12 and blood pressure pills may trigger depression, as can poor sleep, drinking, retirement, even changes in sex drive. 

Okay here: “As men age, their bodies produce less of the important sex hormone testosterone. Low testosterone levels can cause depression, as well as erectile dysfunction — trouble getting or keeping an erection — and a decreased interest in sex,” explains WebMD.

Feeling overloaded-that feeling when you are squeezed between demands of children, aging parents, marriage and job-is a trigger, and women are more affected.

Depression comes with a state of low mood and aversion to activity that can affect a person’s thought behaviour, feelings and sense of well-being.

Preventing it comes down to a single theme-loving yourself.

Odafen advises “adequate sleep and rest, engage in activities that create humour and laughter.” Mood boosters for any might also include keeping pets and volunteering.

And when you do suspect depression, it doesn’t have to be hidden. The World Health Organisation this year emphasises talking about depression in its “Let’s Talk” campaign.

There’s no need to “hide in shame, bear their burden in silence or take their lives,” according to Dr Dr Akin Moses, President of the Society of Family Physicians of Nigeria (SOFPON).

He notes people with depression do not realise that they have a treatable illness, worsened by a situation where many are afraid of the stigma associated with having a mental health concern.

They all fuel the increases, currently estimated at around 7 million Nigerians

“In Nigeria, only one fifth of those with depression episode receive any treatment that is minimally adequate, and if not checked and treated, a depressed person has a 20 per cent chance of committing suicide.”

“Depression has an enormous economic impact on the nation,” says Dr Udo Akinson, consultant family physician at National Hospital, Abuja.

“I call on Primary Care Physicians to increase awareness in the society so as to reduce the negative perception and stigma associated with depression so that it can be easily detected and appropriately treated.”