Treat depression

---

Extract from the article: Feeling flat, tense, sad? Perhaps you're suffering from a temporary depression. However, if the symptoms have been present for a few weeks already, it's time to ask what's causing the malaise. You could be suffering from the dreaded and little-known

---

Feeling flat, tense, sad? Perhaps you're suffering from a temporary depression. However, if the symptoms have been present for a few weeks already, it's time to ask what's causing the malaise. You could be suffering from the dreaded and little-known disease of depression. Fortunately, depression is treatable, and early diagnosis and prompt treatment are essential to overcome this health problem.

The hectic pace of life and the drive to perform can lead to exhaustion. Worse still, if other factors are present, this state of mind can turn into depression. No one is immune to this very real illness that hurts, affects mind and body, and also affects loved ones.

Why does depression occur?

The most likely cause of depression is undoubtedly «an imbalance of certain chemicals in our brain, which act as messengers.Other factors can trigger depression, such as heredity, illness, stress, drug or alcohol abuse and the occurrence of significant events», explains Pr Kolou S.Valentin Charles Dassa, Stress Counselor/Psychiatrist at CHU Campus de Lomé. That said, it's clear that the ideal treatment is a combination of antidepressant medication and personalized psychotherapy.

The doctor first eliminates or diagnoses concomitant illnesses. According to Pr Valentin Charles Dassa, Stress Counselor/Psychiatry, depression is the most treatable of all mental illnesses. Once the diagnosis and degree of depression have been confirmed, the doctor will draw up a treatment plan based on the symptoms and condition.

Drug therapy

«Antidepressants are drugs that work by restoring the balance between different chemical messengers in the brain. They are classified according to the substance they influence, in order to normalize mood», stresses the specialist.In other words, we try to protect and even increase the quantity of «happiness messengers» present in the brain.

Far from being a sign of weakness, the use of antidepressants is an essential tool in the fight against depression. These drugs are designed to eliminate depressive symptoms, enabling you to resume your activities and return to normal more quickly.

«Antidepressants can cause side effects such as dry mouth, insomnia or drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headaches and reduced libido. These discomforts are often transitory, and there are various ways of dealing with them.However, if you're worried or have any questions, consult your doctor», says the psychiatrist. He or she can provide information and help you find ways to minimize undesirable effects, or suggest alternative treatments.

Treatment compliance : an important issue

Adherence to treatment is an essential concept, which consists in being faithful to the treatment proposed by the health professional and taking an active part in it.  For Pr Dassa, this notion is particularly important in the treatment of depression, since it takes a few weeks before the beneficial effects of antidepressants are felt.

It may also be necessary to try different products and even drug combinations before finding the right treatment «Take your medication every day, not just when you feel the worst. The maximum effect will appear after regular, daily intake.Then, to avoid relapses, antidepressants should be taken for several months, even if you're feeling better, and never stopped abruptly», advises Pr Charles Dassa.

«Never stop treatment without first discussing it with your doctor. If it turns out that stopping the medication is appropriate, he or she will tell you what to do to avoid the inconvenience of withdrawing too quickly», he continues.

Promoting a return to equilibrium

Psychotherapy is an integral part of depression treatment. It has the advantage of involving the person in his or her own recovery, by enabling them to gain a thorough understanding of their illness and the various strategies available to help them return to equilibrium. A number of resources are available to help, and the doctor can provide guidance. Given that recovery will be all the faster if you take an active part in it, here are a few approaches to adopt in support of treatment: «relax and learn to manage stress, maintain good sleep habits, move and do sport to naturally increase the chemical messengers responsible for well-being, read, have a massage, eat a balanced diet rich in omega-3s, enjoy the good weather», recommends the psychiatrist.

Living with depressionDepression is a very real health problem, and can have a major impact on a person's life. «It's important not to be alone, and to surround yourself with people who are willing to help.Support is the best ally.Above all, be patient, as healing takes time», advises Pr Dassa.

«With the fast pace of life, it can be easy to forget to pay attention to mental health. Don't neglect taking care of your mental health as much as your physical health. Take time for yourself and happiness», he adds. After all, health is also about having a healthy mind in a healthy body.

Abel OZIH