The coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic has affected almost everyone in some way or the other. Many individuals are really struggling with trying to understand their emotions during this pandemic. There are many mental health issues associated with COVID-19 pandemic but anxiety and depression appear to be the most prevalent in Anguilla. Though there has been increased awareness and discourse around mental health among residents of Anguilla in recent years, conditions like depression can still be stigmatized, and some individuals with clinical depression are reluctant to seek professional help when needed.
What is depression?
Although it is a term often used to describe a low mood, when a doctor diagnoses depression it is very different from the common experience of feeling miserable or fed up for a short period of time. A depressed person feels sad or emotionally numb for days or weeks at a time, and their work and personal life are affected.
If a person has mild or moderate depression they may be miserable but able to continue with everyday life. Severe depression, also called major depression, major depressive disorder and clinical depression, can cause a person to become suicidal. There are a number of treatments for depression which are proven to be effective, and many ways to help prevent its reoccurrence, so there is no reason why most people should not recover to enjoy a full and healthy life.
How common is depression?
Depression can occur at all ages. Women are twice as likely to have depression as men, although statistics point to men being more likely to commit suicide. This may be because men are more reluctant to seek help or treatment.
Most healthcare professionals are not surprised that the COVID-19 pandemic has caused significant stress and psychological distress for a large proportion of the population worldwide. The number of cases of depression has increased drastically in many countries affected by COVID-19. There are various factors related to COVID-19 that contribute to the increase in depression rates, and include the following:
• Trauma from widespread disease
• Grief over losses of life
• Fear of getting sick
• Unprecedented physical distancing
• Financial concerns, including unemployment and housing insecurity
Why is it important to get treatment?
Severe depression can stop a person from coping with everyday life for weeks or even months. With treatment, they can learn to manage their symptoms and make a full recovery. Although the depression may return, it is important that a person’s treatment focuses on how to manage their emotional life and so avoid the worst effects of the condition.
One of the best things anyone can do for friends, family or neighbours who may be suffering from depression is to reach out to them. It has a positive effect.
It is important for individuals affected by depression to have support from carers and friends because loneliness and isolation can make depression worse.
Mental health is an important part of overall health and wellbeing. If you think you might have a mental health problem contact your healthcare provider as soon as possible.
How to detect symptoms of mental illness
Everyone feels a little down sometimes, but if you have not been feeling like yourself lately, that is a sign that you may be experiencing a mood disorder.
Individuals should look out for changes to their usual sleep patterns or quality, difficulties in concentrating, not finding joy in the things that used to make you happy, or persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness. If you start to notice changes from your normal behaviour, you should seek medical advice. It is OK to reach out to those you trust, whether it is a medical professional, your friends and family or your faith community.
Conclusion
Depression is a medical illness that causes a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest. Depression can cause physical symptoms, too. In many countries the COVID-19 pandemic has been associated with an increased incidence of mental illness. Anxiety disorders and depressions have greatly increased in several countries recently. Individuals with depression should seek profession help as there are many successful treatment options now available.
Ask Your Dr is a health education column and is not a substitute for medical advice from your physician. The reader should consult his or her physician for specific information concerning specific medical conditions. While all reasonable efforts have been made to ensure that all information presented is accurate, as research and development in the medical field are ongoing, it is possible that new findings may supersede some data presented.
Dr Brett Hodge MB BS DGO MRCOG is an obstetrician/Gynaecologist and Family Doctor with over thirty-eight years in clinical practice. Dr Brett Hodge has a medical practice in The Johnson Building in The Valley (Tel: 264 497 5828).
