only be achieved over a period of weeks or months.

Medication must be taken regularly according to your

doctor’s instructions and advice. The medication should
not be stopped or substituted by another without prior
consultation with your doctor.

Psychotherapy may help you gain self-insight, change

negative thoughts and feelings, and learn new
behaviours and coping strategies. Talking about your
emotions and depression with a trained professional can
help reduce symptoms. The different psychotherapy
approaches most often used in depression are cognitive MENTAL HEALTH
behavioural therapy (CBT), interpersonal
psychotherapy and psychodynamic psychotherapy.
INFORMATION CENTRE MENTAL HEALTH
Joining a support group, relaxation techniques, exercise Southern Africa INFORMATION CENTRE
and lifestyle changes have been noted as beneficial in
managing depression. Southern Africa
CONTACT US

What to do and MENTAL HEALTH INFORMATION CENTRE

where to go for help OF SOUTHERN AFRICA (MHIC)

The vast majority of people with depression respond PO Box 241

well to treatment. The first step in fighting depression Cape Town
is to discuss your symptoms with an experienced 8000
South Africa
professional, like your family practitioner at the local
clinic or day hospital. Tel: +27 (0)21 938 9229
Email: [email protected]

DEPRESSION
www.mentalhealthsa.org.za
SU/UCT MRC Unit on Risk
and Resilience in Mental
Disorders
The Research Unit on Risk and Resilience in Mental
Disorders, to which the MHIC is affiliated, was
established by the Medical Research Council (MRC)
in 1997. The Unit is located at the Department of
Psychiatry at the University of Stellenbosch and
PROUDLY SPONSORED BY
investigates the psychobiology and treatment of
anxiety disorders, including obsessive- compulsive
disorder (and related conditions), panic disorder,
post-traumatic stress disorder, and social anxiety
disorder. For more information about joining research
trials, please visit the website or contact the MHIC.
[email protected] | www.akeso.co.za
www.mrc.ac.za/anxiety/anxiety.htm
What is depression? WHO GETS DEPRESSION? Causes of depression
It is natural to feel sad or down at times. This is a normal
Depression is a medical A number of different factors may contribute to the onset
part of everyday life. When someone experiences sad or of depression. Very often, a combination of these factors
negative feelings that interfere with normal functioning disorder that affects people plays a role in precipitating a depressive illness:
and that last for at least two weeks, they could be of both sexes, all ages and • Vulnerability to depression is likely to be at least
suffering from depression. The first sign of depression is
often a change in the person’s usual behaviour.
races, cultures and social partially genetically inherited.

classes. About 10% of the • Psychological make-up and environmental factors,

Common symptoms of depression include:
such as increased stress or personal losses.
general population will suffer
• persistent sad, anxious, or “empty” mood
from a depressive illness in • Medical conditions such as thyroid problems, strokes,
• loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities cancer and Cushing’s disease.
that were once enjoyed, including sex any given year. Women are
• Certain medications, such as steroids, birth control
• feelings of hopelessness and pessimism twice as likely as men to have agents and high blood pressure tablets.

• feelings of guilt, worthlessness, helplessness, self-

depressive symptoms. • Neurobiological variables: The symptoms of
reproach depression are mediated by chemicals, such as
serotonin and/or noradrenaline, which may have
• insomnia, early-morning awakening, or oversleeping
changing levels in the brain.
• appetite and/or weight loss or overeating and weight
gain
Different kinds of depression
• decreased energy, fatigue and feeling run down Different kinds of depression can be diagnosed: Treatment
• restlessness, irritability, hostility • Major depressive disorder (MDD): A period of severe Like other medical illnesses, depression can be treated.
• difficulty concentrating, remembering, making depression when most of the symptoms of depression In most cases the best treatment for depression is a
decisions are experienced. combination of medication and psychotherapy (talk
• Dysthymia: Some depression symptoms are present therapy). Antidepressants are not addictive or habit-
• persistent physical symptoms such as headaches,
over an extended period of time. forming, and can be safely used over an extended
digestive disorders, and chronic pain
period. There are different types of antidepressants and
• thoughts of death or suicide, suicide attempts • Bipolar disorder: Alternating periods of severe each may have different side-effects, such as nausea,
depression followed by extreme highs. This kind of blurred vision, drowsiness, dry mouth, and sexual
It is important to note that different people experience
depression is also known as “manic-depression”. problems.
depression differently (e.g. children may display unusual
behavioural problems). In some people depression • Seasonal affective disorder: Depression may occur Benzodiazepines (tranquillisers) may sometimes
is characterised not so much by a sad mood, as only during specific seasons of the year, usually winter be prescribed for the short-term control of anxiety
by increased irritability, unexplained pain, or other or autumn. symptoms that often accompany depression. These run
symptoms. • Post-natal depression: Feelings of sadness, anxiety, the risk of dependency though.
irritability and fear of not being able to cope that occur Some improvements may be experienced immediately,
after childbirth. but the full beneficial effects of pharmacotherapy may