Johnny like any other person looking for greener pastures applied for a visa to go to the United Kingdom from his native Zimbabwe to work as a caregiver.
At first, he seemed to cope with the rigors of life in a foreign land with the tough routine of work and more work, loneliness cold and racism. He realized the reality of the UK was a far cry from the sugar candy mountain he had anticipated.
He soon began developing feelings of self loathe, sadness, hopelessness, irritability, lack of concentration and regret. Most times he would just curl up in his bed and cry and sleep proved hard to come by.
He often had thoughts of leaving everything here on earth since the world and all the things he had previously valued, his dotting mother, his lover, his friends, music, food, football and all the so-called good things in life had lost meaning.
His small, rented room was a mess as he no longer cared about hygiene, order, and self-care. Being new in a foreign land also meant he had no friends, and he had no desire to call home suddenly.
It is only at work that his work friends noticed his clumsiness and a demeanor of perennial sadness. He only spoke in monosyllables and grunts and hardly even smiled. His supervisor was beginning to worry about his suitability for care work and its demand for diligence, amiability, and attention to detail and conversation.
Since the massive migration overseas, it has been noted of late that most migrating care workers have been experiencing signs and symptoms of depression due to separation from family and friends and adapting to foreign land as in the case of Johnny therefore this article will explore on signs and symptoms, possible interventions and coping skills.
Depression is a prevalent mental illness that affects one’s emotions, thoughts, and behavior. As cited by Wilson et al (2018) for many migrants uprooting to a new country is often accompanied by drastic changes in multiple aspects of their lives.
The process of assimilation to new surroundings and cultural practices can lead to considerable levels of acculturative stress which in turn has been linked with the manifestation of psychiatric disorders e.g depression.
Globally, depression has been identified as the leading cause of illness and disability with an aggregate point, one-year and lifetime prevalence of 12.9%, 7.2%, and 10.8% respectively. It is distinguished by enduring feelings of melancholy, a lack of interest in or pleasure from once-enjoyed activities, and a variety of physical and mental symptoms.
Numerous factors, including biological, psychological, and social ones, might contribute to depression. According to research, a confluence of these elements causes an imbalance of some brain chemicals, including serotonin, which can affect a person’s mood, appetite, and sleep patterns.
Low self-esteem, feelings of worthlessness, and difficulties concentrating are common symptoms of depression. A combination of medication, psychotherapy, and lifestyle modifications can help reduce symptoms of depression and enhance quality of life.
Millions of individuals all around the world suffer from depression, which is a widespread mental health issue. However, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), there are more than 264 million cases of depression globally. An estimated 3.8% of the population experience depression, including 5% of adults (4% among men and 6% among women), and 5.7% of adults older than 60 years. Approximately 280 million people in the world have depression.
Currently in Africa about an estimated 29.19 million people suffer from clinical depression, including 66 million women. In Zimbabwe depression is the most prevalent mental disorder which constitute about 218 167 people with women being the majority of the population.
People of different ages, genders, and cultural backgrounds are affected by depression, which is one of the main causes of disability in the globe. Additionally, it raises the chance of suicide, which claims over 700,000 lives annually.
If one or someone we love is exhibiting signs of depression, it is crucial to get professional assistance at the earliest convenient time.
Possible Interventions include psychotherapy such as cognitive behavioural therapy, medication, exercising.
Cognitive-behavioural therapy is used to target current problems and symptoms and focusing on recognizing the relationship between behaviours, thoughts and feelings and changing patterns that reduce pleasure and interfere with a person’s ability to function.
Interpersonal therapy can also be used to improve problematic relationship and circumstances that are most closely linked to current depressive episodes.
Supportive therapy can also be used to help patients to explore and understand their experience in their current situation. The focus is to strengthen the person’s ability to make choices that help them cope effectively with various life stressors.
Medication such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or other antidepressants, may help improve mood and other symptoms of depression.
Exercising helps in many ways the individual may take their mind off stressors so that one does not focus on negative thoughts. Gaining confidence making goals and meeting them to boost self confidence
Coping is also a healthy way of doing positive activities to manage depression and anxiety this is a best way to manage oneself.
Lifestyle change works wonder in improving sleep hygiene, maintaining maximum sleep, and having enough physical activities and good dietary may reduce the symptoms of depression.
Support groups can provide a sense of belonging and a safe place where one can get information that is practical and helpful. This will help in encouragement and more coping mechanisms.
All these interventions should be suited to the client needs. It is important to take note of the cultural diversity as well putting into considerations the different ethnicities, age groups and client worldviews.
Formation of social groups for those that have migrated to the same country and are in the same trade will also help them share and advice each other on the challenges they will be experiencing and possible coping skills and providing each other with adequate support.
Lucia Mukamba is a student studying MSc Counseling Psychology at Greatr Zimbabwe Univesrity
