Dental Tribune Middle East & Africa Edition

A devastating illness, affecting one in four women and one in 10 men at some point in their lives Black dog, the blues, down in the dumps, the vapours – what- ever you call it, it’s a rare human who doesn’t feel low from time to time. But occasional sad days are a million miles from true depres- sion. Though many casually use the term “depressed” to describe their glum moments, the condi- tion is much more than simply feeling melancholy. The fact is that depression is an illness, where sadness is per- sistent and intense and feelings of helplessness and hopeless- ness are accompanied by debili- tating physical effects. AsDepressionAlliancenotes, these include disturbed sleep, loss of energy and even physical aches and pains. Contrary to what some may believe, “snapping out” of a true depression is impossible: the only way to escape its clutches is to seek proper medical advice. UK health charities are keen to share the warning signs of this devastatingillness,whichaffects one in four women and one in 10 men at some point in their lives. “Sometimes people may not realise how depressed they are, especially if they have been feel- ing the same for a long time, if they have been trying to cope with their depression by keeping themselves busy, or if their de- pressive symptoms are more physical than emotional,” ex- plains Depression Alliance. “As a general rule, if you have experienced four or more of these symptoms, for most of the daynearlyeveryday,forovertwo weeks, then you should seek help.” They include: • Tiredness and loss of energy • Persistent low mood or sad- ness • Loss of self-confidence and self-esteem • Feeling hopeless and help- less • Difficulty concentrating • Feeling tearful • Feeling guilt-ridden • Not being able to enjoy things that are usually pleasurable • Sleeping problems - difficul- ties in getting to sleep or wak- ing much earlier than usual • Avoiding other people • Finding it hard to function at work/college/school • Loss of appetite • Loss of sex drive • Physical aches and pains • Thinking about suicide and death • Self-harm The symptoms of depression can have a knock-on effect on dailylife,withworksuffering,so- cial contact falling away and in- creased difficulties in home and family life. “Depression can come on gradually, so it can be difficult to notice something is wrong.” Often it takes a friend or fam- ily member to suggest there may be a problem. And while there is no single cause, it can be trig- Dental Cafe DENTALTRIBUNE Middle East & Africa Edition10 Be aware of the signs of depression AD  page 11DT