By Professor Taiwo Sheikh

Welcome to this week’s #mentalhealth conversation, this is a chat room where we discuss the basics of our mental health in order for us to understand and have a full grasp of the rudiments of #mentalhealth and well-being.

This is part of our #mentalhealthadvocacy activities aimed at promoting our wholesome wellness, prevention of #mentalillness, improving our awareness of #mentalillness, understanding that effective, qualitative and modern (technology-based) #mentalhealthservices are available to ensure quality living, harmonious interpersonal relationships, peaceful coexistence within our communities and enhancement of our commonwealth.

That we can discuss #mentalhealth in major public forum like this and #socialmedia is a significant stride for global #mentalhealth and specifically, our local #mentalhealthadvocacy! Especially considering the enormity of social, cultural and traditional barriers to such discussions.

After several sessions, he felt much better and happier, interest in work was better and he was no longer contemplating to resign, and, everyone was happy. Eighteen months later, the feeling of distress returned and this time with discomforting preoccupation with thoughts of death.

His #parents and siblings couldn’t understand why he could be experiencing such emotional turmoil despite that he lacked nothing. He couldn’t think straight and was exploring ways of how to end the “disabling distress”.

#James Donaldson notes:

Welcome to the “next chapter” of my life… being a voice and an advocate for #mentalhealthawarenessandsuicideprevention, especially pertaining to our younger generation of students and student-athletes.

Getting men to speak up and reach out for help and assistance is one of my passions. Us men need to not suffer in silence or drown our sorrows in alcohol, hang out at bars and strip joints, or get involved with drug use.

Having gone through a recent bout of #depression and #suicidalthoughts myself, I realize now, that I can make a huge difference in the lives of so many by sharing my story, and by sharing various resources I come across as I work in this space.  #http://bit.ly/JamesMentalHealthArticle

Order your copy of James Donaldson's latest book,

#CelebratingYourGiftofLife:

From The Verge of Suicide to a Life of Purpose and Joy

http://www.celebratingyourgiftoflife.com

He became apologetic to his wife and his sister, telling his wife that he has saddled her with responsibility of bringing up their #children. He pleaded with his sister to apologise to their #parents for not living up to their expectations. Four weeks ago, the wife returned from work and found a #suicide note on the dining table and his corpse hanging from the ceiling!

#Depression is a #mentalhealthdisorder characterised by persistently sad/depressed mood or loss of interest in pleasurable activities (including work) or loss of energy or a combination of any of these symptoms, causing significant impairment in daily life.

#Depression is a common #mentaldisorder affecting more than 264 million people worldwide and about eight million (4 per cent) Nigerians (#female 5 percent; #male 3.6 percent) and #suicide is a dreaded complication of #depression.

Possible causes include a complex interaction between biological, #psychological and social factors (sources of distress). Increasingly, research suggests that these factors may lead to alteration in some chemicals (neurotransmitters) in the brain that can cause changes in brain function, including altered activity of certain neural circuits in the brain.

The persistent feeling of sadness or loss of interest that characterises major #depression can lead to a range of #behavioral and physical symptoms.

These may include changes in sleep, appetite, energy level, sexual drive, concentration, self confidence or #self-esteem.

#Depression can also be associated with thoughts or planning of #suicide. #Depression is a leading cause of disability around the world and contributes greatly to the global burden of disease.

The effects of #depression can be long-lasting or recurrent and can dramatically affect a person’s ability to function and live a rewarding life.

Effective treatment for #depression is available at the hospitals and in some states even at primary #healthcare facilities including private clinics in Nigeria and, the mainstay of treatment is usually medication, talks therapy (#psychological/psychotherapy), lifestyle adjustment (social) or a combination of the three (the combination has been shown to be more effective than using only one of them). Increasingly, research suggests that these treatments may normalise brain changes associated with #depression and lead to recovery.

Access to effective treatment in this part of the world is significantly limited by lack of awareness, misconceptions and #stigma.

I hope today’s conversation will add value to your understanding of #depression and #suicide, #Depression can have a profound effect on all aspects of our lives, including performance at #school, productivity at work, relationships with family and friends, and ability to participate in the community.

There are strong relationships between #depression and physical health, including infections (such as tuberculosis, #Covid-19), #diabetes and #cardiovasculardisease (such as #hypertension and #heartdisease).

#Depression affects all types of people, young and old, rich and poor in all countries. #Women are more likely to have #depression than #men.
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