……Psychiatrist canvasses adequate management of feelings to avert depression
A Consultant Psychiatrist, Dr Stephen Oluwaniyi, on Thursday, canvassed adequate control and management of feelings/emotions to avert adverse effects of mental depression.
Oluwaniyi, the Head of Training and Research, Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, Yaba, Lagos, gave the advice in an interview in Lagos.
Depression is a mental health condition marked by overwhelming feeling of sadness,
isolation and despair that affects how a person thinks, feels and functions.
The psychiatrist said that mental depression had become rampant among the populace, especially youths.
He said that the increase of depression cases made it pertinent that more attention should be paid to avert adverse effects on the populace and economy.
According to him, every average Nigerian is mentally depressed, saying that depression can be normal.
He, however, explained that “it becomes a problem when there is an underlying disease, or when feelings become excessive and interfere with daily living conditions.”
Oluwaniyi listed causes of mental depression to include restless sleep, stress, anxiety, financial troubles, repeatedly going over thoughts, childhood trauma, job loss, financial imbalance or a divorce, among others.
The doctor added that certain medical conditions may also trigger depression, including an under active thyroid gland, cancer, heart disease, prolonged pain and other significant illnesses.
He added that “imbalance in the brain’s signaling chemicals most times is responsible for mental depression in many patients.
“Depression can affect people of all ages, and can strike at any time.
“People with depression may experience a variety of symptoms, but most common is a deep feeling of sadness or a marked loss of interest or pleasure in daily activities.”
He said that engaging in positive activities that give happiness, while avoiding anger could help to prevent depression.
He explained that “anger produces a physiological crash; the angrier one gets, the more depressed he/she becomes.”
According to him, anger elevates blood pressure, increases threat of stroke, heart diseases, cancer, depression, anxiety and in general, depresses the immune system.
“Inability to control emotions and feelings are the major causes of depression.
“If one is in a happy state, it means less of troubles, stress and better wellbeing; if one is unhappy, there will be depression, suicide, anxiety and stress disorder.
“Depression is a significant problem that has affected some youths, forcing them into drugs,” he said.
