Clinical Psychologist Shares Her Insights On The Scourge Of Depression & Anxiety

Depression and anxiety are mental illnesses that have existed for centuries, however, the stigma associated with mental illness has recently begun to lift, and the need to address and understand the contributing factors to these illnesses continues to increase.

An article published in Health-E News in September 2020 indicated that according to a survey conducted by the South African Depression and Anxiety Group, the COVID-19 pandemic has worsened the mental health of nearly two-thirds of South Africans during the lockdown. Out of 1214 surveyed South Africans, 12% say that they were feeling suicidal. Suicide continues to be a growing concern in our communities, especially among teenagers and adolescents.

Bryanston-based clinical psychologist, Lungile Lechesa has valuable experience working with children, adolescents and adults across diverse psychotherapeutic settings faced with a variety of psychological, emotional or general life challenges. “Depression and anxiety often go hand in hand, and both disorders can alter how you process emotions and your behaviour. Impairment in daily functioning is a red flag. The significant impact on your interpersonal relationships is also a red flag. Intense feelings of not being able to cope, feelings of unworthiness and wanting to harm yourself are serious red flags as well as the increase in use of substances” she highlights.

She mentions that the causes of depression also vary. Sometimes triggered by a significant life event, often negative, such as trauma, death, loss of a loved one, a difficult relationship and an early childhood experience. Depression can also present itself in individuals who have a family member with a mental illness. Lungile shares, “Depression can present itself differently in individuals. Some people may even mask their symptoms. There are numerous factors to take into consideration, such as the cause, the severity, the personality type of the person, their background, their coping skills and so forth.

How people express their emotions (depression included) will be different, and as a result we often hear of people having been admitted for treatment or in some cases having committed suicide and their loved ones had not been aware that the individual was depressed. All that you can do is be supportive of your loved ones. If you have any suspicions or notice a change in your loved one, rather speak to them, acknowledge their feelings and express your concerns”.

In many cases friends and family members of those suffering from mental illness, do not have the tools to support their loved ones and so it impacts on interpersonal relationships quite significantly.

Lungile gives her insights on how best to provide support for individuals suffering from depression and anxiety saying, “Be as supportive as you can. It is not about having the answers, trying to fix anything or giving unsolicited advice. Being supportive can be listening, being non-judgemental, responding adequately to the person’s needs, and just being present even if it means sitting in silence.

You want to validate the person’s emotions because what they are feeling is real to them. In severe instances or if you are worried about your loved one, it would be best to encourage them to seek professional help. It is not easy to tell someone that they need to see a therapist, but you can find a loving and caring way. Try to be as understanding and as gentle as possible when approaching this subject”, she advises.

For more visit: www.sadag.org