People who suffer from depression often have a hard time admitting it and therefore starting the healing process. – tadamichi / Getty Images
Spectator. For months, without really understanding why, 32-year-old Adrien was “there, but he wasn’t quite there.” Understanding at first, his entourage begins to worry, and ends up annoying to see him still as lethargic over time. The project manager in communication is gloomy. Added to his discomfort is the guilt of not being able to “shake himself”. He consults his general practitioner, who directs him to a specialist. The diagnosis falls: Adrien suffers from
depression.
“I experienced it very badly. I was told about an illness, I felt like I was crazy. “However, although badly accepted, this term is essential, explains Marina Litinetskaia, head of the psychiatry department of the 10th arrondissement of Paris of GUH Psychiatry and neurosciences:” Depression is not just about being sad or stressed. It’s a real disease that affects everyone, with symptoms that take place over time, that are both physical and psychological. “
In France, one in five people have suffered or will suffer from depression during their lifetime, that is 15 to 20% of the population, according to figures from Inserm. Not all, however, identify or express it clearly. “There is a negative connotation to depression,” recognizes the head of the pole. Some patients may then try to hide their symptoms out of fear. A trend that is frequently encouraged by those around you who minimize discomfort. “Relatives will try to show the person that life is good, but they are unable to perceive it. Like all illnesses, depression is not a matter of will. “
Difficult awareness
The misunderstanding is also fueled by the lack of information and the stigmatization of society, said the president of the France Depression association, Claudie Tondon-Bernard. “We are constantly fighting to raise awareness, but it is difficult to get our information out, it is still a taboo subject. However, mental health is the first item of expenditure for health insurance, ahead of cancer and cardiovascular diseases, with 22.5 billion euros per year, “she said, relying on the report of the mental health commission, presented to the National Assembly in September 2019. Despite everything, the situation is gradually changing, admits Claudie Tondon-Bernard.
Depression affects women almost twice as often as men, but does not really understand why. In a recent study, researchers have shown that a different neural circuit between women and men is involved in depression. https://t.co/i5ouUxBIfU pic.twitter.com/QJ5NMmUR6a
– France Culture (@franceculture) October 16, 2019
Today, the association welcomes people of all ages and from all walks of life, “but progress is slow,” said the president. So, to encourage change and raise awareness otherwise, France Depression co-produced a play No harm said, presented to the public and before the deputies. On the medical side, patient care has also improved with better training for general practitioners, “on the front line in detecting depression,” said Marina Litinetskaia.
Reinforced learning, from the university training of future doctors, which thus allowed Adrien to be oriented at best. Even if the road to recovery will be long, the young man, now accompanied by a therapist, has found a first remedy for isolation.
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