In recent time, we keep waking up to different news and stories of suicide in our society. We only reacts to suicide by condemning it whenever it happens around us, little or nothing is being done to the underlining cause of suicide, which is "Depression". Mental disorder and terminal diseases may also contribute to suicidal thoughts and suicide in the society but the major cause of suicide nowadays is depression.Nigeria is currently ranked 5th in the WHO list of suicide prone countries. Nigeria placed fifth with 15,000 suicide in every 100,000 suicides that happens around the world. Suicide is a ticking time bomb in our society today, avoiding and overcoming depression is the only kill switch to put it off.

The popular online encyclopedia (Wikipedia) defined depression as a state of low mood and aversion to activity, that can affect a person's thoughts, behavior, tendencies, feelings, and sense of wellbeing.
Some people get over depression in due course but people going through a severe form of depression may not be quite lucky, because depression in it severity may lead to suicidal thoughts which may eventually lead to suicide. Depression should be given a lot of attention because research has shown that no particular age group or social class is free from depression, this means that both the young and old, rich and poor can be a victim of depression.
Two factors are mainly responsible for depression among individuals in the society, they are: The biological/genetic factor and the situational factor.

Biological/genetic factor: under this factor, people experience depression as a result of their biological, psychological and genetic nature. People who are suffering from bipolar disorders, schizophrenia and other mental health disorders are prone to depression. Some people may also  experience depression as a side effect of a particular medication as a result of their genetics. Postnatal depression (baby blue) may also occur anytime after childbirth between two weeks and two years after the birth.

Situational factor: under this factor, depression comes as a post traumatic experience to people who have just recently gone through a traumatic situations like the loss of a loved one, rape and other forms of sexual assault, disappointment, heartbreak, war, domestic abuse and violence etc.

HOW TO OVERCOME DEPRESSION
The most important thing to do when going through depression is to SPEAK OUT. Share your feelings and plight with someone, because if you don't, depression could overwhelm you and make you develop suicidal thoughts and feelings. Get PROFESSIONAL HELP from healthcare providers.There are effective psychological and pharmacological treatments for depression such as behavioural activation, cognitive behavioural therapy [CBT], and interpersonal psychotherapy [IPT]) or antidepressant medication. For more tips on how to overcome depression visit www.psychologytoday.com and www.help guide.org.

We must all understand that depression is a killer disease and it can be treated through therapy, medication and a positive lifestyle. Also, we must be aware that depression is not just an emotional oppression, it is a gateway to suicide.

© Ogunmokun Adewunmi

Culled from: ogunmokunadewunmi..com