BEATING THE STIGMA

Many of us cope just fine with life’s daily pressures, but there are some who hide their true feelings...

- CHARNDRE EMMA KIPPIE

In South Africa, studies show that more than a quarter of the population suffers from depression, whether they know it or not. According to Dr Ashleigh Craig, a researcher at the Wits University Developmental Pathways for Health Research Unit: "Our study shows that 25.7% of South Africans are probably depressed, with more than a quarter reporting moderate to severe symptoms of depression." Although society is working towards destigmatising mental health issues, there is still much to be done. Especially when conditions like dysthymia - a milder, longer-lasting form of depression, also known as high-functioning depression (HFD) - fly under the radar, since its characteristics are not as easy to spot and diagnose.

Why it’s different?