Depression is with every man. Depression is everywhere. It begins with a child and ends with an old man. No man is beyond depression, this is no news. In the world today, people are beginning to identify depression as a major problem of health - physically and emotionally. However, what many of us fail to realize is that the causes of depression are principles, philosophies, situations that we create with our very own hands. The causes of depression are so many that not all will be discussed in this write up.
In the course of analysing the root cause of depression, it has been discovered that depression came in the form of the negative effects of civilization. As man introduced technology and other forms of development in the growing society, depression crept in. As the world grows older, we see greed and envy taking over man. He is unsatisfied. Jealous is another factor in the human society that is responsible for depression. In fact, depression stems from branches that takes its root in Life itself. Life beholds depression, so no one can escape it.
In spite of this realization that depression is embedded in life itself and in fact creation of Man, what is the modern man doing about it? Not much. While the greater percentage of the world advocates depression indirectly, through their actions and inactions, only a minor percentage of the world is doing something about depression. This is precisely the reason why suicide is on a high increase on daily basis.
Is there anyone in this world that has never taught about being rid of planet Earth and the people therein? If not everyone, at least 99.9% have had this thought. There doesn't seem to be much change to the situation. We are only left to adapt. A popular saying goes, "If you can't beat them, you join them". We are all slaves to depression. This is why the 21st century people nurture it rather than exterminate it. How do we do this? Through social media platforms, through ignorance and lack of education. Traditional superstitions and religion, economic recession, unemployment and loss of jobs, among others.
Social media, from the perspective of one who has suffered from depression has done more harm than good. It is no doubt that social media has made the world a global village and things are made so easy. However there are causalities of incidents caused through social media, such as cyber crimes, cyber bullying, et cetera. Also because of the insatiability of human beings, tend to compare themselves with others based on what they see on social media. They therefore look down on themselves developing low self-esteem. This is the step to acquiring depression.
In Africa, even till today, traditional superstitions the African society. Anything and everything related to mental illness is tagged as an "attack". They suddenly remember that the people of their villages have 'witchcraft tendencies'. Africans, we need to stop being fetish and overly religious. Rather than seeking medical solutions to these problems and rending emotional support to the patients, we only make things worse. The mere fact that a mental disorder or depression is caused by a demonic attack will only heightened the effect of the problem of such patient. Many times, ignorance makes it difficult to see something in their true light. This why individuals in Nigeria, and even Africa should educate themselves on matters that concerns their health and that of their loved ones.
Lastly, the upturn of the rate of job loss not to speak of employment in Nigeria is alarmingly high. Individuals lose their jobs on a daily basis. As if this isn't enough, economic recession has tendered people handicap. This is a definitely a cogent reason for an individual who suicidal to want to leave this world, since there is no means for survival. Those who do not have the courage to take their lives live with depression for the rest of their lives.
The good news is that where there is life, there's hope, and when there's a will, there's a way. An individual can be relieved of depression if he so desires. However it is not easy to be rid of depression. It takes consistency and patience, especially with the love and support of loved ones. It is very important that such patients stay connected to the outside world. Being isolated will do them no good. By making phone calls to loved ones, going out on a date, seeing a movie with a friend and other things like things, no matter how little, brings such individuals out of a depressed state. Another step that helps a lot is joining a support group. There's this feeling that one gets when you meet others like you experiencing the same issues. In heart you are glad that you are not alone. If Mr A can get through his problems, then you can do it. This is why support groups are very relevant. Most importantly, patients should endeavor to see a professional. Sometimes, we all need to speak to someone about our problems. That's what relationships are for. However, our loved ones may not understand where we are coming from and what we are driving out, how bad you are feeling. This is why professionals are available to help through such matters.
The world will become a better place if we all can work together to keep ourselves sane and free from depression. Let us take it upon ourselves as a civic duty to helping an individual in need. Speaking to someone who has lost hope and has no reason to live. We can also help ourselves by not comparing ourselves to people we assume are better than us. Even if they are, it doesn't mean you won't make it one day. Let's avoid cyber bullying as much as we can. Cyber crimes may not cease but we can save ourselves from it by being extra careful. Together we can help ourselves and those in our society. Together we can guarantee our mental wellness.
Okonkwo Jemima Chineye
A 300level of student of Faculty of Law
Obafemi Awolowo University.
