In an article published by the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG), the Mental Health Federation of South Africa indicated that more than 17 million people in South Africa are suffering from anxiety, depression, substance abuse, bipolar and schizophrenia. If these illnesses are left untreated, the symptoms can become unbearable. It may have a long-lasting influence on an individual’s entire existence.

Life, especially these days, can be challenging for all of us. All the hardships and struggles that we face daily can leave us feeling discouraged and depressed. Discouragement and sadness are, however, familiar feelings that sometimes creep into our lives. Some people describe depression as a “dark hole”. Often this darkness is accompanied by feelings of hopelessness, emptiness, fatigue and meaninglessness. Some people may even feel angry, aggressive, and restless.

The disease depression is different from the short-lived sadness or hopelessness that we sometimes experience. Depression can prevent someone from performing routine daily tasks or increase the difficulty thereof. Depression has apparent symptoms and needs to be treated.

If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms for longer than two weeks, and if the symptoms cause significant distress, it’s vital to seek help immediately:

· Depressed mood

· Loss of interest or pleasure

· Significant weight change

· Diminished concentration

· Sleep difficulties

· Fatigue nearly every day

· Feelings of worthlessness

· Recurring thoughts of death

Another disease that sometimes overlaps with depression and that has similar symptoms is anxiety. Anxiety is more common than we realise ─ it may occur in different forms and differs from person to person. Stress is not always bad because it helps us to function optimally. However, when you start to lose your sense of self and struggle to handle your daily life, you may have an anxiety disorder. When these anxiety symptoms become so severe that they prevent you from completing mundane tasks, seeking help is essential.

Ask yourself the following questions:

· Do you constantly feel tense, worried and anxious?

· Does your anxiety negatively affect your work, school, or family responsibilities?

· Are you afraid that something terrible will happen and that you’ll lose control?

· Are you often overwhelmed by fear that you can’t control?

· Do you avoid daily activities and situations because you become anxious?

· Do you sometimes get palpitations out of the blue?

If you experience any of the signs mentioned above, you might suffer from some kind of anxiety disorder.

I have experience in helping adults and teenagers regain control of their depression and anxiety symptoms. There are different ways to overcome anxiety and reclaim control of your life. Allow me to assist you on this journey and help you to own and manage your depression and anxiety. If your depression and anxiety are too severe and I’m unable to assist you, or if you need medication, I will refer you to a clinical psychologist or psychiatrist.