SICKLE CELL AND DEPRESSION
Sickle Cell and Depression
Today, I want to talk about the issue of Sickle Cell and depression. Do people with Sickle Cell suffer from depression? I believe the answer is yes. As you know, when one is having a full Sickle Cell crises, you become an invalid, unable to do anything and the pain is so much that one can barely speak.
Say for example you have a good job and you fall ill regularly; do you think your boss will be understanding? Whatever stage you are in life, being sick all the time will limit you and pull you back compared to your peers who have good health. Years ago, I had the head of my department tell me that he did not me as a executive. I bet you that one of the reasons why he said so, was because I took time off sick. I owed it to myself to prove him wrong and I did.
I remember when I was little, my parents would always celebrate the birthdays of my siblings and I. I would be the one to either fall ill the night before the birthday party or the evening of my party. So, as a child, you end up feeling sad that the party had to be cancelled because of you.
Or it could be a situation whereby I was getting ready to sit for an exam and again due to the stress of it all, on the day of the exam or during the exam, I am unable to sit for my exams because of Sickle Cell. Once again, this destabilised my plan for the future.
When we were growing up, my siblings and I travelled overseas a lot due to my father’s job. Again, just before the day comes, I would fall ill. Subconsciously, I don’t believe in booking my holidays in advance, over the years. I tend to book my tickets at short notice.
Again, there is this stigma attached to people with Sickle Cell and marriage, where the other partner would not want to settle down with someone who suffers from Sickle Cell. This is a shame, as if properly managed, the Sickle Cell sufferer can live a very happy, healthy and fulfilled life.
Ultimately, what I am saying is that Sickle Cell can make the sufferer suffer from depression, as it affects various areas of ones’ life. The more one sits around being sick, the easy it is to become depressed.
What is the solution to depression in the life of someone with Sickle Cell?
- Exercising helps as it increases serotonin and endorphins.
- Eat well and healthily.
- Get some counselling
- Go to support groups.
- Listen to music that you like, music helps lift up moods.
- Listen to positive messages from people that you admire.
- Try to manage your stress levels.
- Look after yourself, so that you don’t fall sick too often.
I hope you find these suggestions helpful and that as you manage yourself and your life, or that of a loved one, depression will be a thing of the past and you will have more awareness of what is going on.
