Depression is one of the most debilitating mental health disorders in the world. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 350 million people worldwide suffer from depression, and it is a major contributor to the overall global burden of disease [1]. Unipolar depression has been identified as the second highest illness burden, accounting for as much as 8.6% of disability-adjusted life years lost, and is the single most important cause of disease-related disability among women in the reproductive age-group [2].

The issue of depression is a very fragile issue in contemporary times. This because this very issue resonates with most of us.

In a world where chaos and confusion seem to be the order of the day, our personal lives aren’t spared from this apparent brewing banter between good and evil.

To begin with, depression is a mood disorder that involves a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest. It’s different from mood fluctuations that people regularly experience as a part of life.

Statistics show that depression is nearly twice as common among women as men, according to Centers of Disease Control and Prevention.

According to the World Health Organization

It is estimated that of the 21.6 million people living in Ghana, 650,000 are suffering from a severe mental disorder and a further 2,166, 000 are suffering from a moderate to mild mental disorder. The treatment gap is 98% of the total population expected to have a mental disorder.

Genetic factors, Changes in the brain’s neurotransmitter levels, environmental factors, psychological and social factors are the underlying reasons why this disease is rife nowadays.

In this part of our world, people suffering from depression do so in silence so as not to be stigmatized or ridiculed. The marginalized, poor, the least said of them the better. People are literally veiled with an outward appearance of contentment, whiles in natural fact, it’s the exact opposite.

2020 started with lots of promise, new year resolutions, government pledged to make things better et al. Unbeknownst to us, this year has already turned to be the year to forget. There’s fear, anguish in the air. The atmosphere is soiled and stained in hopeless. These are trying times.

In the wake of the corona virus onslaught on mankind, coupled with restrictions in movement, mentally it’s taking a toll on some of us. Social media which is supposed to be our safe haven is rife with sad news painted in the colors of hopelessness.

Death tolls keep spiking, we sit in angst, wondering when this would all end so that we go back to our normal lives. A week into the partial lockdown, it feels like we’ve had enough already.

Let’s face it we are all scared, and some are losing it already. So the question is how do we tackle depression in these trying times.

I to a large extent believe that support form friends and family is very fundamental, in maintaining sanity in these trying times. This can range from discussing practical solutions on issues with interest to educating family members.

Regular interaction is key, in lighting up the mood.

Also, I believe that, the use of anti depressants would go a long way to alleviate this feeling of sadness in these dire times.

Food rich in fruits and vegetables should be highly encouraged. We should learn to augment our eating habits. Eating wanton amount of sugary or processed foods could gravely affect the mental health of young adults. So let’s take note.

Exercise a lot too. Even though you are basically stuck at home. Learn to do some exercises in the house. Aerobic exercises raises endorphin levels and stimulates the norepinephrine which is linked with mood. This may help relive mild depression.

Brain stimulation therapies are another treatment option. For example, repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation sends magnetic impulse to the brain, and may help treat major depression.

If depression does not respond to drug treatment, the person may benefit from electroconvulsive therapy or ECT.

I believe we have learnt a thing or two on battling depression, especially in the wake of the corona virus.

Let’s stay safe. Let’s stay home. Let’s practice the safety precautionary measures rolled out by the authorities.

Reference : W.H.O

Reference: Sociodemographic correlates of depressive symptoms: a cross-sectional analytic study among healthy urban Ghanaian women : Harriet Afran Bonful & Adote Anum

Written by Godfred’ Edem Ahlijah.

Facebook: Godfred Ahlijah.