Chronic disease is one of the leading causes of depression. The person worries for his or her life.
When Nigerians suffer from depression, it is typically a woman who has just given birth. She has just given birth to a daughter, despite the fact that male births are preferred. She has just given birth and is currently experiencing postpartum depression.
When domestic violence occurs a Nigerian gets depressed; a battered woman stays in the relationship owing to her cultural background.
Hello Everyone, My name is Ebingo Kigigha and I'm an aspiring Psychiatrist. When I'm not joking around, I usually write about Mental Health on my blog. I will be discussing Nigerians seeking help for depression.
People with depression have compared their condition to "living in the dark" and "anticipating terrible uncontrollable situations." Depression affects a person's thoughts, emotions, and daily functioning. The risk that you have depression rises as the frequency, severity, and duration of your symptoms increase. There are several symptoms and signs of depression that we might observe in ourselves and others. Depression is a significant suicide risk factor.
When a depressed person raises concerns about a possible threat to their life, this should be taken very seriously. Intervention and aid could perhaps save their lives.
After reading a article regarding depression in Nigeria, I decided to write about When Nigerians Get Depressed.
Depression, a mental health issue that has claimed countless lives, affects 322 million people worldwide.
Symptoms include a melancholy disposition, loss of interest or pleasure, lower energy, feelings of guilt (especially related to a need to live) or poor self-esteem, disturbed sleep or eating, and difficulties focusing. Moreover, it inhibits a person's ability to function and do daily tasks, and can even lead to suicide.
In the previous post, we explored the gender disparity among different sexes and we highlighted domestic abuse and pregnancy to be related to depression, especially in women. In continuation of the theme, I would want to address how Nigerians have poor health-seeking behaviour, especially regarding their mental health.
Mental health-seeking behaviour
Patients with depression generally do not obtain the essential assistance, despite the fact that there are treatments for depression that are supported by evidence. According to the findings of a study carried out by Gureje and colleagues, just 37% of depressed older persons received any kind of treatment.
If you factor in the number of effort people put into playing down mental health issues in the country you might find the data to be true even in your circle.
People who struggle with mental illnesses or disorders are frequently forced to contend with feelings of shame, stigma, and prejudice. In general, the vast majority of Nigerians are uneducated concerning mental health and the various treatment options that are available.
It is important to note that whenever the right information becomes hard to reach people turn to unprofessional posts on the topic.
Even though I have had lectures on the topic I do not consider myself an authority and I advise that you seek a second opinion on any topic I touch on, I'm never going to be too big to be wrong or too knowledgeable to learn.
Access to health services is limited not just by the appalling lack of mental health treatment that exists across the country, particularly in rural areas, but also by the financial limits present in these areas. These barriers have long-term repercussions, as untreated depressed people are more prone to suicidal thinking and behaviour than those who have been treated for depression.
Depression is another factor that has been linked to morbidity (such as anxiety and sleep disorder) and mortality, as well as poor health outcomes for children.
Tips
Depression can cause a change in appetite for some individuals making the eat more or eat less.
It is very important to watch what you eat as a whole more specifically when you are dealing with depression.
Food commonly linked to stress eating includes High fat, high salt or high sugar diets.
There is usually a "high" that comes from consuming too much of this type of food but after that feeling the initial sadness returns.
Several studies have linked oxidative stress to depression, and antioxidants (Vitamin E, Vitamin C and Beta-carotene) prevent Cell Damage. There's no way to stop free radicals completely, but you can lessen their destructive effect by eating foods rich in antioxidants.
Carbohydrates are linked to the mood-boosting brain chemical serotonin. Opt for smart or "complex" carbs.
Food rich in protein has been found to help with alertness. Good sources of healthy proteins include beans and peas, lean beef, low-fat cheese, fish, milk, poultry, soy products, and yoghurt.
Try a Mediterranean Diet for B Vitamins. Vitamin B12 is found in all lean and low-fat animal products, such as fish and dairy products. Vitamin B12 can be found in all lean and low-fat animal products, such as fish and low-fat dairy products.
A study done last year in the US found that the likelihood of having depression is higher in people with low levels of vitamin D. Sunlight is also good for you as it is a source of vitamin D.
Studies have also reported a link between low selenium and poor moods.
Questions
- Have you noticed the high that comes with consuming food with a lot of sugar?
- Do you think there should be warnings about this sugary food?
- What antidepressant diet will you be adding to your regular diet?
-How would you get a friend to start eating healthily?
Hive Stories
One of the people I wrote to yesterday wrote back. I guess I wasn't clear enough about adding her post to our articles...which will eventually be added to my videos, but at least she wrote back.
Hopefully, we'll get favourable response from the writers of these amazing posts about fighting depression.
In Conclusion
Poor Health seeking behaviour in Mental health is a serious discussion that needs to be addressed when policies are made. Easier access to mental health support need to be made readily available.
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