Depression (major depressive disorder) is a common and serious medical illness that negatively affects how you feel, the way you think, and how you act. Fortunately, it is also treatable. Depression causes feelings of sadness and/or a loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed. It can lead to a variety of emotional and physical problems and can decrease your ability to function at work and at home.
Friday, June 4, 2021, an article in the Jamaica Observer read
“KINGSTON, Jamaica — The police have confirmed reports that a woman drowned in the Rio Cobre at the Flat Bridge in St Catherine on Friday.
The police’s Corporate Communications Unit was unable to provide details of the incident, but unconfirmed reports are that the woman drove off the bridge in a suicide attempt.”
When I heard the news I cried. Not because I knew the woman, but because I’ve experienced so many traumas over the last few years and that could have been me. BUT, I chose counseling and therapy and that’s what helped me through those traumatic events.
Depression can often times hide under a beautiful smile and the most beautiful clothing!
Dawn Marie
Symptoms of depression can vary from mild to severe and can include:
Feeling sad or having a depressed mood
Loss of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed
Changes in appetite — weight loss or gain unrelated to dieting
Trouble sleeping or sleeping too much
Loss of energy or increased fatigue
Increase in purposeless physical activity (e.g., inability to sit still, pacing, hand-wringing) or slowed movements or speech (these actions must be severe enough to be observable by others)
Feeling worthless or guilty
Difficulty thinking, concentrating, or making decisions
Thoughts of death or suicide
Pay attention to your friends, relatives, and loved ones. Pay even closer attention to your children. If you witness any sign of depression, seek help immediately.
Dawn Marie
Vendors reported that the woman drove across the bridge several times before she actually drove her vehicle over. Could someone have even called the police? Was this not enough sign to say that something was wrong? Did none of her friends or family members recognize that she was depressed? Did any of her neighbours recognize any strange behaviour? Has she spoken to anyone about her problems? So many questions flood my mind but now it’s too late.
I recently started a counseling center at my church, L.I.F.E. Care Centre. More than ever, as we navigate through the COVID-19 pandemic, many persons struggle to cope with emotional and mental issues. The counseling center was developed to provide counseling sessions for free.
Updated Post (11/08/2023)
If you or anyone you know needs counseling, please reach out to us. We are here to help. Click this link to learn more and to get started.
“There are wounds that never show on the body that are deeper and more hurtful than anything that bleeds.”
― Laurell K. Hamilton
Dawn Marie Petgrave
Associate Counseling Psychologist
JAMPSYCH Member
Thanks for sharing the signs of this illness and thank you for being so opened and honest about your journey. It does help to put arms around others to say hey I know what you’re going through.
Thank you for your comment.
Depression is indeed more common than we are aware. Thankfully there are more and more centers available now for us to get help. Thank you for sharing Sis and for providing an outlet for others to get help.
Thank you for your comment.
This is a good read and valuable information. Thank you so much for sharing. Like you say we have to check up on our love ones to be mindful of the signs and take the necessary steps to help each other.
Thank you for your comment.