DEPRE
SSION
Depression is one of the most common mental health problem
"Depression is more than just feeling “down.”
It is a serious illness caused by changes in
brain chemistry. Research tells us that other
factors contribute to the onset of depression,
including genetics, changes in hormone
levels, certain medical conditions, stress, grief
or difficult life circumstances. Any of these
factors alone or in combination can
precipitate changes in brain chemistry that
lead to depression's many symptoms"
but that takes us to something more
important. Are we, as Nigerians, mentally
aware? That friend, yes the friend you have
that just suddenly cut everyone off and
changed her appearance. He/she may not be
prouding na. You are there thinking he/she
dun change levels. They don't want to talk to
you anymore. They are now gapaing. Maybe
they are actually suffering from Depression.
They may be having sucidal thoughts. They
may be silently crying out for you to reach
out to them. They need you.
There are so many undiagnosed mental
health issues amongst us. There's this horrible
stigma (in Nigeria) that's reserved for any
mental problems. 'you are depressed? Oti
nyilori niyen o'. Some Nigerians may be
scared to get a diagnosis because of this
stigma. And without a diagnosis your chances
of getting adequate treatment is actually slim
Depression, Phobias, OCD, having
hallucinations, delusions and the
rest are actually MENTAL illnesses. Chemical
imbalance, low levels of certain
neurotransmitters results to some of this
mental health disorders. #bewoke. You wanna
be woke? Better be woke on the right things.
I'm not saying they can't curse you to get
mad o. Before awon Aye will come for me
All I'm trying to stress out is the fact that
these disorders are psychological and/or
neurological. And they can be treated -
psychotherapy, CBT, drug therapy etc.
Pls seek out a professional if you are having
hallucinations, experiencing low moods,
having suicidal thoughts etc. You ain't
'running mad'. You ain't abnormal. You ain't
alone. 2.6 in 100 people have been
diagnosed with depression. It's beyond your
control.
We need to;
*Join the “woke” train and get ourselves
checked out.
*Eradicate the stigma associated with mental
health diagnoses
*Reach out to one another
*Be aware of the risk factors and warning signs
of suicide
.We all need to come together to raise
awareness on mental health disorders in our
country.
OLARINOYE
Rasheedat