Thread by @sindivanzyl

Many people are living with #depression and are not aware of it.

"I know that something is wrong but I'm not sure what it is"

"I think I'm just tired. I should be fine after a short holiday"

They continue through life on auto-pilot

Then you get the people that are living with #depression and are fully aware of it BUT have chosen to deal with it in their own way

"I know exactly what the problem is but I'm not going to see a psychiatrist/psychologist"

"I'm going to pray about it"

The challenge with #depression is the fact that it is caused by a chemical imbalance. There is a neurotransmitter in the brain that is in short supply. That neurotransmitter needs to be replenished

The replenishing of the neurotransmitter is going to depend on the severity of the #depression

If the depression is very mild, then you'll probably be fine with a few sessions of counselling or psychotherapy. You'll bounce back. Your "happy hormone" bucket will fill up again

If the #depression is very serious, then you're probably going to need therapy AND medication.

The medication takes about six weeks to start working. Most times you get worse before you get better. It is always best to take treatment for at least SIX months

I wish there was a plaster for #depression . I wish depression was a rash. The acceptance of the diagnosis would be easier if there was a visible manifestation. BUT because it is a mental illness there is a lot of misunderstanding - and this deters people from seeking help

The good thing about those that are on autopilot is that you eventually come to a standstill.

It's like a wind-up toy. It scurries about for a while and then stops. My standstill was my mental breakdown in April 2013. I was admitted with #depression and got help

The difficult people are the ones who cannot entertain the possibility of being diagnosed with #depression and having to start therapy or take medication. Chatting to these people is like trying to navigate this maze.

The stigma that comes with mental illness is real.

Many times when an alternative route is chosen, it's to escape the burden of the stigma. Sad truth is that once you've been labelled, your behaviour thereafter is viewed through "oh-the-one-with-depression" sunglasses

Help is available.

But to get help there has to be an HONEST assessment of one's life.

If the signs and symptoms of #depression are there, acknowledge that there could be a problem. Then find a clinical psychologist. Go for at least two sessions.

Why a clinical psychologist?

They are very familiar with the signs and symptoms of burn out, #depression, etc.

Your doctor may not be familiar with mental illness or actually willing to diagnose you. Doctors are human too, and they have their blind spots. I'm being honest