Unfortunately, we still live in a time where not everyone in South Africa understands antidepressants and depression. In some cases, people who disclosed their mental health issues were labeled “crazy,” “like they were sick,” and “not strong enough.” Such an attitude can lead patients not to seek help, which can further worsen their mental health.
This is a worrying reality in a country where a quarter of South Africans are believed to be depressed. Most of them never receive treatment. Antidepressants are an effective way to relieve symptoms of depression, anxiety, and other mental illnesses, but misconceptions about the medications persist. According to the South African Society of Psychiatrists (SASOP), “the stigma associated with mental illness and misconceptions about the benefits and use of antidepressants represent major barriers to people seeking help.”
To help overcome the stigma that pervades mental health in South Africa, here’s what you need to know about antidepressants and depression from SASOP.
Nobody wants to be depressed
First, and most importantly, depression is not a choice. “It’s a common misconception that depression is an illness that can be easily overcome by simply ‘getting out of it,'” says Dr. Gagu Matsebula, specialist psychiatrist and member of SASOP. “However, no one wants to be depressed. Depression is not a sign of weakness; a result of wallowing in grief or sadness, a lack of positive thinking or self-pity. It is a disease that negatively affects brain function due to biological or environmental factors.”
Depression occurs under different circumstances
Although it is not a disease that you can “infect,” there are triggers:
- Genetics – strong medical evidence shows that genetic factors increase the risk of depressive disorders.
- Anxiety – Studies show that depression is linked to other mental health disorders and that higher levels of anxiety can be a predictor of higher levels of depression over time.
- Trauma and early adversity – It is widely accepted that traumatic events (including loss, grief, stress and abuse) can lead to depression and PTSD.
- Socioeconomic status – There is evidence of a link between lower socioeconomic position and mental health problems. A 2019 study of South Africans found a cycle: “People may be trapped in a vicious circle in which poor socioeconomic conditions lead to depression, which in turn can further harm their economic prospects.”
READ MORE: More people are using ketamine for depression – but how safe is it?
The symptoms of depression can vary
“Depression is characterized by a persistent feeling of sadness and a loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities and usually lasts longer than two weeks,” explains Dr. Matsebula. “It affects thinking, memory, motivation, eating and sleeping patterns and can lead to substance abuse as a coping mechanism.”
Other symptoms of depression include:
- Persistent feelings of irritability or restlessness
- I constantly feel sad and empty
- Poor concentration, memory, or decision-making ability
- Excessive feelings of guilt or low self-esteem
- Hopelessness about the future
- Thoughts about dying or suicide
- Sleep disorders (including insomnia or hypersomnia (oversleeping) or waking early in the morning)
- Changes in appetite or weight
- Feeling very tired or lacking energy
- Increased consumption of alcohol or drugs
- Persistent physical symptoms that do not respond to treatment, such as headaches, indigestion, and chronic pain
- Deterioration of social relationships
Especially when you’re depressed (and not just sad), these feelings last most of the day, almost every day, and for at least two weeks.
Depression looks different for everyone
The World Health Organization states that one person’s experience of depression is not comparable to another person’s. Depressive episodes can be mild, moderate, or severe; they can occur once or repeatedly; People’s abilities to do things can vary. For example, some people with depression are able to maintain their ability to concentrate, while others cannot.
READ MORE: 4 proudly South African mental health support apps
How to get help
If you suspect that you are suffering from depression, this is the case critical (we underlined it because it is *so* important) that you seek professional help. Even a family doctor can help – he can also prescribe antidepressants. However, a good GP will refer you to a psychiatrist and psychologist for specialist care. If you seek medical assistance, rest assured: Mandatory minimum benefits mean that with any medical assistance program (regardless of the plan), you can access a range of mental health resources for free, such as: B. Psychiatrist or psychologist sessions.
These resources are here for *you*
These paths are accessible and available to you in every situation. Never be afraid to reach out.
TODAY
This national organization offers resources, hotlines and more for anyone seeking treatment for depression or anxiety.
Humanitas
Humanitas offers free counseling services to everyone. Your counselor is a counseling intern with a degree in psychology or social work.
Headroom
This site is a database of legs. It allows you to gain access to psychologists, counselors and social workers and book therapy sessions.
How antidepressants work
Once you have spoken to a doctor or psychiatrist, they may prescribe antidepressants. The technical term is selective serotinic reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Some of these you may have heard of: sertraline (Zoloft) or fluoxetine (Prozac).
Here’s how they work: “SSRIs work by increasing levels of serotonin in the brain, a neurotransmitter that transmits signals between the brain’s nerve cells and ultimately improves mood,” explains Dr. Matsebula. In some people, serotonin can be “released” by the body, creating a deficit that leads to a drop in mood. SSRIs prevent this effect. “This drug prevents the reabsorption of serotonin in nerve cells, thereby increasing its availability and improving message transmission. The ultimate goal of antidepressants is to restore balance to the deficiency of serotonin and other neurotransmitters that can cause depressive symptoms.”
For many people, it is a total game changer, increasing energy levels, happiness and contentment. “Some people are afraid of antidepressants, but they are safe to use. There are different types of antidepressants with different side effect profiles,” says Dr. Matsebula.
You may need to change your medications
Because of these side effects (and effectiveness), it is completely normal to sometimes need to change medication. According to SASOP, while many people respond well to the first prescription of antidepressants, some may need to try several different antidepressants before finding the one that works best for them.
That’s why it’s also important to stay in touch with your doctor. You can record your symptoms and possible side effects and find a tailor-made solution for your body. Regular meetings (every three months) are crucial. If your memory is poor or you generally don’t pay attention to your body, keep a diary! Every little thing counts.
READ MORE: Many women struggle with depression during pregnancy. Here’s what you should know if you’re having trouble
Antidepressants don’t work overnight
Unlike headache pills or antibiotics, antidepressants are long-acting medications, meaning they take a long time to work. We’re talking weeks.
“It is important to be patient when taking antidepressants and to take the medication daily as prescribed by your doctor. It may take several weeks for the medication to take full effect. It is important to continue the prescription for at least six months to prevent symptoms from recurring. “Everyone reacts differently to antidepressants and some people may need long-term use,” says Dr. Matsebula.
Even if you feel better, do not stop the treatment. It’s not like a cold; If the medication is working, you should continue taking it. “It is important not to stop taking the medication or reduce the dosage on your own, even if you feel better. Unlike other medications such as sleeping pills, antidepressants do not cause physical dependence or addiction. Medical advice is crucial when increasing or reducing dosage or stopping treatment,” says Dr. Matsebula.
Antidepressants do not “cure” depression
Dr. Matsebula says it’s important to note that depression can be treated through medication to address the underlying biological issues that contribute to the condition. The most common treatment approach combines medication with talk therapy (psychotherapy). Additionally, this approach tends to produce the best outcomes for patients.
Talk therapy (talking to a licensed psychologist or counselor) is extremely helpful in treating depressive symptoms by exploring and processing past and current experiences with a trained professional such as a psychologist. This approach is particularly useful in situational depressive episodes (such as the loss of a loved one or partner conflict) or childhood trauma, as it helps the patient gain clarity and understanding of the root causes of distress.
You don’t have to feel depressed forever
Finally, it’s important to remember that you can get help – and feel better. Remember that seeking professional help is crucial to effectively managing depression. Resources are available to support you on your journey to recovery and a healthy, fulfilling life.
For help for your friends, family, colleagues or yourself, please speak to your GP or contact the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) on 0800 12 13 14 or text 32312 and a counselor will be contacted You call back.
Michelle October
Michelle is a features editor at WH. She is extremely curious about the world, has a passion for health and wellness, and enjoys good surfing when the waves are good. Find her on Instagram here.
