Dearth of support for depression victims

A victim of depression has appealed for the setting up of social support groups, under the guidance of professionals, for depressed people in the belief that they are lacking and are sorely required.

Patients need to speak out and be empowered, she said, speaking from experience.

She has been encouraged by her own counsellor to work on the setting up of the groups, which would be open to those who have "been there", the families of those who have lost a relative through suicide, the afflicted, volunteers and professionals.

The idea is for the group to lobby for an encouraging change in the system and to offer those suffering from depression the opportunity to meet up with others in their same situation to hear what has worked for them and helped their recovery.

She believes that professional help, as well as being part of a support group, would assist recovery and is now awaiting feedback on the initiative, which is aiming to bridge a gap in the lives of people suffering from depression.

"We need to talk to someone who understands us, besides a professional person, who is, of course, vital in the entire process.

"Depression is still a stigma, as is suicide. Changes are occurring in society for the better, and I hope these support groups would help save more people," she said.

"Negative social factors within the environment play a major part in the origin of depressive disorders and can help to sustain and suspend the person in this state.

"Pills are just the beginning, therapy and counselling a continuity to our improvement, but human contact is just as essential.

"Loneliness is unbearable, even if a depressed person says they want to be alone. Families can offer support. However, at times, their close connection to the individual can prove just as stressful. Family and friends can be the least equipped to deal with mental illness. When difficulties arise, they are the ones to turn to, but their inability to comprehend what ails us drives us away from them and society into isolation."

A traumatic event in her early adolescence - the loss of a parent - predisposed her to depression in later life and she suffered from the "crippling malaise" for a number of years before realising what it was, "maybe because of the stigma attached to depression, especially in our society and also because I managed to cope with my symptoms and thought of myself as just being moody".

She acknowledged her depression some five years ago when she experienced difficulties adjusting to an upheaval in her life.

"Loneliness hit me like a ton of bricks; to remedy that, I was out partying most evenings... After a year of frequent alcohol abuse, I reached a point where I had to seek help."

Through Sedqa's expertise, she realised that her coping mechanisms no longer worked. On the contrary, whereas previously working hard and bingeing once in a while kept her going, it was no longer the case.

"So began my full-blown depression. Unable to look at myself in the mirror most mornings, I felt shame, wept endlessly, at times for no apparent reason, or just sat motionless staring at nothing. My thought processes were muddled and I could think of nothing but my dark condition, frightened that I was going insane.

"I was angry and frustrated most of the time, especially with my helpers, not believing them when they said I would get better. I could not imagine life without anguish, obscurity and negativity.

"I changed jobs frequently. Under the stress that work and colleagues can impose, I tried to adapt but failed and the strain of trying hard to keep in control lead to breakdowns."

Now in recovery, she is looking forward to building a social network, which would improve her quality of life. She firmly believes that such a network could provide a buffer against the risk of isolation, which could lead to a relapse.

Anyone motivated to help with the concept of the support groups can send an e-mail to idare@di-ve.com.