Tackling the growing problems of depression
EVERYONE feels a bit down in the dumps now and again.
But what happens when those feelings start to take over your life, perhaps making you feel lethargic, persistently sad, unable to concentrate, incapable of sleeping properly, or, in most severe cases, wanting to self harm or take your own life?
Tomorrow marks the final day of Depression Awareness Week and, according to recent news reports, NHS figures have revealed that prescriptions for antidepressants rose by 43 per cent in the last four years.
One theory is that the current squeeze on the economy, which has left many struggling with debt and job woes, has led to many suffering from clinical depression requiring treatment.
Dr David Smart is a GP at the Leicester Terrace Health Care Centre in Northampton and also chaired the local Mental Health Commissioning Strategy.
He said: “I think there has been an increase (of depression cases) recently. We know in an economic downturn there is more pressure in the workplace, more people working long hours and work/life balance can become a problem.
“The wrong work/life balance can increase the risk of depression but we also know work is good for mental health. It is one of the five ‘fruits’ of mental health.”
According to studies, the five ‘fruits’ of mental health include being active, taking notice of the good things in the life around you, connecting with others (through work etc), continuing to learn and giving something back.
Nowadays treatment for depression can range from prescriptions for antidepressants to measures such as cognitive behavioural therapy which is delivered by the NHS’s Changing Minds service, operating from GP practices.
Although effective treatments do exist, a strong stigma still surrounds mental health issues within the general public, according to Dr Smart. This can prove one of the greatest challenges for those suffering from a condition such as depression.
Dr Smart said: “What we hope is that people will go to their GP as we know 50 per cent of people will suffer alone because there is a stigma.
“But GPs are getting good at recognising depression and prescriptions may be increasing but we know GPs are recognising psychiatric symptoms early.”
But who is at risk of developing depression?
Dr Smart said: “Any life event can lead to an increased risk of depression. People could have a family history or people might be going through a time of change like childbirth, it can happen to both parents. Perhaps there could be a bereavement or a time of loss. People who have long term conditions like diabetes or skin conditions like psoriasis; there are some physical conditions which can make you more prone.”
Helen Adams is the maternal mental health clinical facilitator for NHS Northamptonshire.
She works with health visitors in the county to help identify post natal mental health issues, as well as helping to offer support where necessary.
She said: “I don’t like the term post natal depression because it implies it is all about the birth and actually it is more to do with a big life change, a change in their role and confidence.
“What we find is that a lot of the mothers perhaps will not meet the diagnostic criteria for depression but will be extremely anxious and struggling to cope.
“What we are trying to do is help women early before they get to that stage.”
Health visitors will ask women a series of questions, carry out a risk assessment and if problems are identified then early help can be given, such as a referral to Changing Minds.
She said: “I have been doing this job for a long time now and awareness about mothers’ mental health is better. I think mothers are much more willing to share what they are feeling and not feel guilty about not coping.”
She continued: “There are two things going on, there is depression but I find that the mums we see are not just depressed, it is a case of anxiety and being frightened about something happening to them or their children. Anxiety symptoms might stop them going out and they can lose confidence.”
For more information about help and support for depression, log onto www.changingmindscentre.co.uk
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