Did you know that depression is the leading cause of suicidal cases amongst young people?
The South African Anxiety and Depression Group (SADAG) revealed alarming statistics which show that nine per cent of all deaths among teenagers are due to suicide in South Africa. There are various reasons or problems that lead to people committing suicide. With the recent case of Khensani Maseko, a third year BA student from the Rhodes University who committed suicide after being allegedly raped by her ex-boyfriend, it is very important that we talk about depression and share ideas that might help raise awareness.
What is depression?
According to American Psychotics Association, depression (major depressive disorder) is a common and serious medical illness that negatively affects how you feel, the way you think and how you act. Fortunately, it is treatable. Depression causes feelings of sadness and/or a loss of interest in activities once enjoyed. It can lead to a variety of emotional and physical problems and can decrease a person’s ability to function at work and at home. Depression does not only affect how you feel or should feel, it also affects the way you behave.
How do I know if I have or someone else has depression? Below are some of the common signs and symptoms of depression:
- Isolation (becoming withdrawn, staying away from family and friends).
- Being Moody, jumpy, and easily irritated.
- Self- crucifixion, guilty and bad- hating yourself for no apparent reason.
- Feeling hopeless, unhappy and miserable.
- Suicidal thoughts.
- Find it hard to focus.
- Not eating, eat too much or too little.
- Suffering from chest pains and aches.
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