It is not uncommon for people to mistake one thing with similar characteristics, for another, but the need to put daylight between two very important issues - Sadness and Depression- has been emphasized by Certified Mental Health Counsellor, Olaiwola Abiola.
Abiola made this call while fielding questions on Depression In Families on the Family Talk segment of Whaats Up Lagos with the Tekes.
He noted that humans being cognitive, emotional and mental beings suffer “moments of deep sadness and sorrows” which eventually wane after a period of time. That however, he says is understandably mistaken for depression by many.
“Most of the time what people are calling depression is not what it is,” he said, “When we talk about depression, clinically it is a mental disorder, that state of mind significantly interferes with one’s ability to work, play and love.”
Reeling out the signs and symptoms of depression which include low mood, changes in appetite, loss of zest for life, feeling worthless or excessively guilty, poor concentration, restlessness, slowness, loss of energy and recurrent thoughts of suicide to mention a few, the Health Counsellor further stressed that at least five of these symptoms must be consistent and for a period of time to be considered for diagnosis of depression.
He also added that there is no complete picture for Neuroscientists as to the causes of depression.
