MENTAL HEALTH :Depression And Anxiety
- Polelo Mawela
- Jan 21, 2023
- 5 min read
Mental health problems, such as depression and anxiety, are the result of a complex interplay between biological, psychological, social, and environmental factors. Due to the misconceptions and stigma surrounding mental health issues, individuals often try to manage their condition by themselves and do not seek treatment and support for their conditions. Very few South Africans seek treatment for their mental disorders.
Mental health problems, such as depression, anxiety, substance abuse and job stress are common, affecting individuals, their families and co-workers, and the broader community. There is increasing evidence that both the content and context of work can play a role in the development of mental health problems in the workplace. In addition, mental health has a direct impact on workplaces through increased absenteeism, reduced productivity, and increased costs.
Depression and Anxiety Disorders
Depression and anxiety are two common mental health disorders. Healthcare Professionals (HCPs) can play an integral part in the managing of these conditions.
In 2019, 1 in every 8 people, or 970 million people around the world were living with a mental disorder, and with anxiety and depressive disorders being the most common. In 2020, the number of people living with anxiety and depressive disorders rose significantly because of the coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Initial estimates show a 26% and 28% increase respectively for anxiety and major depressive disorders in just one year.
Some key facts surrounding depression
Depression is a common mental disorder, affecting approximately 280 million people in the world
Depression is estimated to occur among 1.1% of adolescents aged 10-14 years, and 2.8% of 15-19-year-olds.
Depression is a leading cause of disability worldwide and is a major contributor to the overall global burden of disease.
More women are affected by depression compared to men.
There is effective treatment for mild, moderate, and severe depression.
Over 700 000 people die due to suicide every year.
Suicide is the fourth leading cause of death in 15-29-year-olds.
Depression is different from usual mood fluctuations and short-lived emotional responses to challenges in everyday life. During a depressive episode, the person experiences a depressed mood or a loss of pleasure or interest in activities for most of the day, nearly every day, for at least two weeks.
Several other symptoms are also present, which may include poor concentration; feelings of excessive guilt or low self-worth; hopelessness about the future; thoughts about dying or suicide; disrupted sleep; changes in appetite or weight; and feeling especially tired or low in energy. People with depression are at an increased risk of suicide. Yet, effective psychological treatment exists, and depending on the age and severity, medication may also be considered.
Some key facts surrounding anxiety disorders
Anxiety disorders are the most commonly diagnosed mental health condition, affecting about 18% of the population. Nearly one in five adults in the United States (US) has a mental health condition. The prevalence of depression and anxiety in adults in the US are reported to be:
21 million have major depression.
48 million have an anxiety disorder.
Anxiety disorders are prevalent and are more common among older than among younger adolescents.
It is estimated that 3.6% of 10–14-year-olds and 4.6% of 15–19-year-olds experience an anxiety disorder.
Anxiety disorders are characterised by excessive fear and worry and related behavioural disturbances. Symptoms are severe enough to result in significant distress or significant impairment in functioning.
In children, anxiety and depressive disorders can profoundly affect school attendance and schoolwork. Social withdrawal can exacerbate isolation and loneliness.
There are several different kinds of anxiety disorders, such as: (i) generalised anxiety disorder (GAD) (characterised by excessive worry), (ii) panic disorder (PD) (characterised by panic attacks), (iii) social anxiety disorder (SAD) (characterised by excessive fear and worry in social situations), (iv) separation anxiety disorder (characterised by excessive fear or anxiety about separation from those individuals to whom the person has a deep emotional bond), and others. Effective psychological treatment exists, and depending on the age and severity, medication may also be considered.
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
Generalized Anxiety Disorder affects 6.8 million adults or 3.1% of the U.S. population, yet only 43.2% are receiving treatment.
Women are twice as likely to be affected as men. Generalized Anxiety Disorder often co-occurs with major depression.
Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD)
Social Anxiety Disorder affects 15 million adults or 7.1% of the U.S. population.
Social Anxiety Disorder is equally common among men and women and typically begins around age 13.
Depression and anxiety are a pertinent group of conditions that need active participation of both the patient, his/her family, as well as the HCPs implicated. Public health initiatives and campaigns should raise awareness about these conditions leading to a better understanding of the disorders and aid in the effective management thereof.
It is the responsibility as HCPs to do be active participants in the following:
Educating the public about depression and anxiety disorders.
Raising awareness surrounding research and treatment of these mental disorders.
Aid in reducing the stigma attached to these mental disorders.
Celebrate recovery.
Reference:
Useful sources of information and helplines to share:
South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG): https://www.sadag.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=11&Itemid=114, Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/TheSADAG/, Contact Centre: 0800 567 567 Twitter: @TheSADAG, Instagram: sadag_official The Bipolar Battle Community: https://www.thebipolarbattle.org/
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): https://www.cdc.gov/
National Institute of Healthcare Compliance (NIHC): https://nihc.org/
The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH): https://www.nimh.nih.gov/
National Department of Health (NDoH): https://www.health.gov.za/
Resources
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Compiler: Dr. Liesl Brown, Ph.D., B Square Synergy Consultants
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