Ways to help Depressed Family members

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The President of the Association of Psychiatrists in Nigeria, Prof. Taiwo Obindo, has urged loved ones and associates of persons battling depression to always stay close to them to ensure they are not lonely.

The mental health expert also urged loved ones of persons with depression to always keep sharp and dangerous objects such as knives and guns away from them to discourage them from self-harm. 

According to him, families need to be more sensitive to the attitude of their loved ones battling with depression, especially when they notice a sudden or gradual change in the way they are behaving, stressing that such persons should not be allowed to be lonely.

The psychiatrist noted that there is also a link between loneliness and depression, adding that somebody who is lonely could become depressed.

Depression, he warned, could lead to suicidal thoughts if the person fails to seek help.

Obindo advice came as a reaction to the death of a Lagos accountant, Folake Abiola, who was said to have committed suicide at her residence at Osapa London, in the Lekki area of Lagos State at the weekend.

He warned against the use of stigmatising words against people battling mental health problems, noting that anybody could come down with a mental illness.

The Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Jos urged family members to always ensure that their loved ones suffering from depression seek help from mental health personnel and not from spiritualists and traditional healers.

45-year-old Folake was at her house on Friday when she allegedly drank what was suspected to be insecticide.

She was said to have died shortly after, as her family members, friends and men of the Nigeria Police Force met her lying motionless.

A colleague of the deceased, who spoke to Newsmen on condition of anonymity, said Abiola had been suffering from depression for years, adding that the news of her death was shocking.

Contrary to claims on online platforms that Abiola committed suicide due to loneliness, and lack of a husband, among others, the colleague said her associates knew that she had been in romantic relationships, adding that she ended them due to depression.

Speaking further with our correspondent, Prof. Obindo, said anybody with a brain can develop mental illness irrespective of his or her social status, adding that mental illness has different variations from mild to moderate to severe. 

The psychiatrist explained, “Mental illness is not attached to social status but it could be more rampant in those who have lower socioeconomic status based on the pressures they go through. The prevalence of depression generally is said to be between five to 10 percent of the population.

“Some of the causes of depression are chemical-based changes in the chemical structures of the brain. 

“It has been found that those who have low serotonin whether due to genetics or medication can have depression. 

“Changes in those chemicals in the brain can predispose an individual to develop a mental illness.

“Having psycho-social issues could also be a factor.

“Even the kind of messages the individual posts on social media can be an indicator of depression.”

Giving further insight into depression and loneliness, he said, “Loneliness and depression could be like the case of an egg and the chicken, which one comes first.

“Somebody who is depressed can feel or become lonely and somebody who is lonely who desires to have a relationship, who desires to have help and is not getting it can become depressed. 

“Family members need to be more sensitive and alert to behaviour changes and attitude of their loved ones and friends.

“If they noticed any changes or unusual behaviour, they should take them to the hospital to see a mental health expert. 

“They should keep dangerous objects such as guns and knives away from such individuals who are depressed. They should not allow them to stay too long alone.”

According to him, seeing mental health personnel is not bad, it’s just the stigma that people attach to it.

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“Seeing mental health personnel is just like seeing other healthcare providers, they can discuss and then ask questions.

“The same way the heart or breast can be ill, it is also the same way the brain can be ill,” he added.

On symptoms of depression that family members and friends should look out for, Prof. Obindo, said minor infractions become a big burden on the mind of people who are depressed.

He identified loss of appetite, low mood, sleep issues, fatigue, and loss of interest as other symptoms of depression.

“The individuals feel unhappy, sad, and subsequently lose interest in things they usually derive pleasure from. They will not be interested in a relationship, or sexual interaction; they feel hopeless and worthless. 

“The way they see the future is often from the negative side. Concentration and memory will be poor. They would not want to interact with others. They would prefer to be alone by themselves. 

“They tend to see something minor as a big thing.

“They feel guilty even about the things that have happened in the past. Past experiences become weighty in their mind. And this could lead them to thoughts of killing themselves,” he noted 

Prof. Obindo urged the Federal Government to pass the Mental Health Bill into law, stressing that passing the bill would help address mental health problems in Nigeria.