MAJOR DEPRESSIVE DISORDER
What is major depressive disorder?
Major depression is more than just the blues. Although a serious disorder, many are unaware they may have this condition and how or where they can find help. Depression is easily treatable once diagnosed by a psychiatrist or psychologist; therefore if you suspect you may be experiencing low mood and persistent sadness, it is essential to find treatment in order to move towards living the happy and fulfilling life you deserve.
How do I know I have major depressive disorder?
Because depression is a psychosomatic illness, it affects the entire body, both emotionally and physically. The following symptoms have been associated with major depression:
- Persistent sadness
- Negative thinking
- Inability to be positive/optimistic
- Difficulty in focusing
- Lashing out at loved ones
- Withdrawing from close friends and family
- Withdrawing from activities you once loved & enjoyed
- Increase in sleeping
- Exhaustion and lethargy
- Morbid, suicidal thoughts
- Weight loss or gain
Depression is known to hang like a cloud over those who are diagnosed with it. These symptoms are not only a burden, but interfere with daily living and hinder the ability to enjoy life and feel happy. They interfere with all aspects of life from eating and sleeping to working and socialising. What is important to grasp is that depression is not a condition that can be wished away. People with depression cannot simply pull themselves together or get over it. Symptoms can be persistent, long-term and reoccurring; however, appropriate treatment is able to lessen the extent of symptoms and help dramatically change the lives of those who suffer from depression.
How can Dr Tsepiso Mhlane help me?
When it comes to mental wellness, Dr Mhlane is a compassionate psychiatrist who strives for a person-centred approach to care. She offers guidance in treatment for a range of mental illnesses and disorders in order to enhance your mood and life. Medications or therapy, or even a combination of both are the treatments that she finds most successful in treating her patients. Whether therapy is done by Dr Mhlane or by a specialised psychologist, she aims to aid her patients towards a positive outlook and wellbeing.