“Depression is being colourblind and constantly told how colourful the world is.” – Atticus Poetry.
Depression is a mood disorder that is not a natural part of ageing. Karen Griessel, the social worker at Rand Aid’s Thornhill Manor retirement village, sheds some light on the topic.
Depression is a mood disorder marked by varying degrees of sadness, despair and loneliness, says Karen.
“It is typically accompanied by inactivity, guilt, loss of concentration, social withdrawal, sleep disturbances and sometimes suicidal tendencies,” she explains.
If you experience some of the following signs and symptoms of depression nearly every day, for at least two weeks, you may be living with depression: sadness, hopelessness, loss of pleasure in activities, irritability, tiredness, appetite changes and thoughts of death.
“Depression is a treatable mental health condition with several treatment options available.
“During a depressive episode, it can feel like things are hopeless – take comfort in knowing there’s hope. Treatment and management strategies may involve clinical approaches, like medication and therapy, or natural approaches, like exercise and journaling,” says Karen.
If you think that you are suffering from depression, speak to a healthcare professional regarding a treatment plan.
