Removing the silence of depression

Almost half a million of us are experiencing depression each year in Ireland. When left untreated it can result in suicide. And it is suicide which is the number one killer of young Irish men.

The figures are shocking yet the subject of depression, which is linked to 80% of suicides, is still relatively taboo here.

There is a national problem here that needs to be addressed. At the very least it needs to be talked about. But there is a stigma attached to those that experience depression and this stigma discourages an open discussion of the issue.

We like to think we are a country of fun-lovers. We pride ourselves on ‘the craic’ - and we should. However, that shouldn’t mean those who are not coping as well feel they cannot ask for help. Lack of communication worsens a sufferers healing. In broader terms it also hinders the progression of attitudes culturally.

Ian Ashford, Dublin Executive Officer of AWARE, says: “It will take time to de-stigmatise it. It was taboo for so long and seen as a weakness. People have a personal responsibility not to buy into those ideas and instead to learn to understand it.”

Symptoms of depression include: Anxiety, bored, over sleeping or under sleeping, indecisive, loss of interest in food or sex and a sense low self worth to name a few.

Just experiencing these symptoms is not enough. “We don’t want to scare monger. You must be experiencing a few of these symptoms for two weeks all day everyday to be considered depressed. We all have a bad day or even a few so it’s important not to panic,” says Ashford.

If you are feeling a bit down there are some useful tips to note. Exercise releases endorphins in the body and helps you feel happier. Even a 25 minute walk can lift your mood. Doing something creative like taking up a hobby can also have a positive affect. Talking to a trusted friend often lessens the burden of carrying around negative thoughts.

A change in diet can also alter a person’s moods. “I know what a student’s diet can be like but it helps to eat foods that promote a sense of well being like omega 3 rich foods (salmon, walnuts, olive oil, flaxseeds), also getting essential amino acids such as tryptophan (found in bananas) for example,” says Ashford.

“It’s common sense, the less crap you eat the better you’ll feel,” says Ashford.

These tips only apply to those with very mild depressive behaviour however. For those that are experiencing something more severe the key is communication. There are options available to students and the general public. A common misconception here in Ireland is that there are little or no services to facilitate sufferers- this is not true. It is perhaps our unwillingness to talk about depression that is the culprit of that theory. In reality there are positive options for anybody feeling depressed or low.

Organisations with experienced and capable staff are ready to help, groups such as AWARE and the Samaritans are only a phone call away. There are also helpful websites like HeadsUp, Spunout, No Panic, Headstrong where you can find information. You can also text the word mental health to 50424 and you will receive contact numbers and organisations.

In DCU students can avail of the counselling service provided in the Henry Grattan building (located near the canteen area entrance). Helena Ahern, Head of the Counselling and Personal Development Centre in DCU encourages students who are either distressed from falling behind in college, family difficulties or anything at all to make an appointment at the centre.

“Quite often the onset of depression occurs in early adulthood. Early intervention is very important,” says Ahern.

Two full time counsellors and two additional part-time counsellors are available at peak times in the Centre. “Our job is to facilitate a person in unravelling the jigsaw,” says Ahern. “There is no reason to suffer. There is a definite support in DCU. It’s free of charge, professional and confidential.”

DCU student Vicky Kavanagh spoke to the College View about her mother’s battle with depression.

“It was only after my mother began attempting suicide that we actually realised she was suffering with depression and it was quite severe. If we had have recognised earlier, we could’ve been able to get her treatment sooner and save her suffering.”

After Vicky’s mother accepted that she was suffering from depression she received proper treatment. She started taking medication and going to counselling, which drastically improved her illness.

“There is no shame at all in having a mental illness and if you suspect you might have one, it’s best to try and get treated for it. You and the people closest to you would be so grateful and proud of you for taking the first step and seeking help,” Vicky says.

Depression is linked to 80% of suicides in Ireland. Young men especially need to open up. Suicide is at least four times more common in men than in women even though women are three times more likely to suffer depression than men.

Prejudices that inhibit men are unfair. They only serve to higher the rate of suicide in males.
Depression is treatable. “It has an 80% recovery rate which is high. Treating depression early is crucial,” says Ian Ashford.

Think of the lives that could be saved from the tragedy of suicide if we just learn to talk.

Photo: Daniel Caulfield Srikla