DO NOT BE INDIFFERENT TO DEPRESSION!

Tuesday, 16 de June de 2020 - 11:45

The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that depression affects more than 300 million people worldwide.

The pandemic which we are living, caused by COVID-19, has raised alarms regarding the impact of isolation on our mental health. Confinement at home, reduced income, fear of going out and social isolation are concepts that we are still learning to live with and that enhance feelings of anxiety, stress and depression.

Depression is characterised by a permanent state of sadness and lack of interest in habitual activities and may be associated with behavioural changes without an apparent cause. The WHO has classified it as the main contribution to psychosocial, functional and work disability.

Associated with mental disorders often comes prejudice, a barrier to seeking professional help. Be especially attentive to people who have had or are undergoing treatment for this kind of diseases and whose mental health status may worsen. 

A balanced state of mind is important!

Changes in life habits, such as those we are experiencing, can mean, especially for populations at risk, an emotional adaptation. Some advice can help you get through this phase more smoothly. Above all, limit access to information and occupy your mind with pleasant topics to help maintain your emotional well-being. Don't forget to maintain a healthy diet, good hydration levels and regular exercise.

If you know someone in this situation, help!

Unaccompanied and untreated depression can worsen and have consequences for people's lives. It is essential that you understand the circumstances that influence depressive feelings and find positive solutions to support them. We can all help with the right actions, taken at the right time:

•    Talk, in a quiet place, and express your attention so that the person knows that someone is willing to listen to them;
•    Accompany and stay close to transmit support and availability to help in the worst moments;
•    Protect and avoid leaving the person alone;
•    Seek help from a health professional but avoid forcing follow-up.

If you suffer from depression or know someone in this situation, do not hesitate to contact your Holon pharmacist at www.farmaciasholon.pt/on or SNS24 (808 24 24 24).

Ana Sofia Ramos, Holon pharmacist