What you need to know about depression
Depression is a common illness worldwide, with more than 300 million people affected. Depression is different from usual mood fluctuations and short-lived emotional responses to challenges in everyday life. Depression results from a complex interaction of social, psychological and biological factors (World Health Organization, WHO, 2017).
Depression is an illness that involves not only the mind or brain but the whole body, affecting the way a person eats, sleeps, feels about himself or herself, and thinks about things. It is not a passing, normal, state of mind and it is neither a sign of personal weakness nor a condition that one can 'snap out of'.
In general, depression can affect anyone: men and women from all backgrounds, in all professions, and at all stages of life. Even people whose lives seem carefree and contented can experience depression.
Depression can be treated. If you think you have depression, seek help.
Information for community professionals
Media
The media has a valuable role to play in reducing stigma by raising awareness about the symptoms and prevalence of depression, as well as maintaining open and helpful dialogue around causes and treatment of the illness.
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Teachers
School is an important arena for identifying and preventing mental health problems. It is common for a teacher to suspect something is wrong when a student's behaviour and academic results change over time. Unfortunately, such changes might be attributed to other causes and a valuable opportunity to intervene may be missed.
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Religious leaders
Members of the clergy play an important role in the community, and are in a unique position to offer solace and guidance to those who are experiencing difficulties in their lives.
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Police
Police officers are regularly in contact with depressed and suicidal individuals, particularly in the three months leading up to a suicide. There are many possible scenarios of encountering suicidal behaviour in the course of police work.
Read moreiFightDepression® Tool
The iFightDepression® Tool is an online, guided self-management programme that aims to help individuals with mild to moderate depression to self-manage their symptoms. If your GP or healthcare professional referred you to access to the iFightDepression® Tool and you have a personal user account, you can log in here:
