Depression: Approach of the Mental Health Services in Seychelles |28 April 2017

The word depression generally conjures such thoughts or images as sadness, frustration, disappointment, and sometimes lethargy. However there is more to depression than this image. The World Health Organisation [WHO] (2017) describes depression as: “a common mental disorder, characterised by sadness, loss of interest or pleasure, feelings of guilt or

low self-worth, disturbed sleep or appetite, feelings of tiredness, and poor concentration”.

Moreover, depression can become a serious health condition particularly when it is long lasting and recurrent and not managed appropriately. Depression has been proven to increase the risk of other non-communicable diseases, such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease (WHO, 2017). Hence, the focus on Depression this year, as we commemorated World Health day under the theme ‘Depression: Let’s talk’.

Depression as a common mental disorder can affect any individual and it can start at a young age. WHO (2017) has reported several new estimates:

• that depression affects about 350 million people worldwide.
• that the number of people living with depression has increased by over 18% between 2005 and 2015.
• that more than 80% of this disease burden is among people living in low-and middle-income countries.

Seychelles is indeed not spared from depression and its associated burden. Over the years, the Mental Health Service has seen a gradual increase in the number of clients coming into contact with either the psychiatric or psychological service or need of both. The table below shows the increase. Please note this is not only clients presenting with depression, but all clients of the service.

Table1: Total Clients for Mental Health Service over past 2 years

Depression has been reported as being debilitating to individuals as it can cause them to not be able to function fully. Such individuals encounter difficulty to cope with their daily life and responsibilities, such as at school or work and in their home and their community. The mental anguish can also have devastating consequences for relationships with family and friends. In more severe cases depression can also result in suicide, which is now the second leading cause of death among 15-29 year olds (WHO, 2017). 

Depression is not generally talked about, due to the stigma that surrounds mental illnesses in general. That is despite services being available to help manage all associated conditions. As such, this year the WHO has declared that the World Health Day, April 7, be commemorated under the theme ‘Depression: Let’s Talk’. The point being that better understanding of depression, how it can be prevented and treated, will help reduce stigma and possible discrimination associated with lack of knowledge about the condition. It is anticipated that talking about depression will lead to more people seeking help.

The Mental Health Services of the Ministry of Health, has both inpatient and outpatient services.

• The inpatient is open for admission through appropriate doctor/specialist referral on a daily 24-hour basis.
• The outpatient services cater for client either by referral or drop in, Monday to Friday, 8am to 4pm.
• On call services, are available after normal working hours, on a daily basis.

If you or someone you know is going through a bout of depression, please do not despair. Call the service or visit the service for the necessary intervention. If you are unable to contact us, please visit your local health centre for mental health first aid service, and appropriate follow up service will be organised.

Mental Health Services number: 438 8326

Produced by the Mental Health Team of the Ministry of Health, Seychelles

Reference:

World Health Organisation (2017). [available online] www.who.int/campaigns/world-health-day