Depression is the inability to construct a future‘Depression is the inability to construct a future’ wrote Rollo May, the famous American existential psychologist.
For Paul Reekie, one of Scotland’s brightest, most idiosyncratic talents recently found dead in his Edinburgh flat, Rollo’s words were maybe prophetic?
His band The Thursdays had worked alongside Joy Division on Edinburgh’s Fast Product label. He had also played bass with Bristol’s The Pop Group. His published works included translations of the French poet Baudelaire; the collaboration Three Edinburgh Writers with Kevin Williamson and Barry Graham, and a poetry collection called Zap! – You’re Pregnant. His novella Submission appeared in the anthology Children of Albion Rovers.
Near his body were two letters lying on a table. One told him that his housing benefit was being stopped. The other said that his incapacity benefit was also being stopped.
A member of the Hibernian counter-culture crowd that included Trainspotting author Irving Welsh, Reekie did not have his troubles to seek. It was evident he suffered from his own personal demons.
Paul Reekie died in a sea of statistics.
In Scotland two people each day take their own life. In 2007-2008 843 people committed suicide, which is more than double the number killed on Scottish roads. This is the highest reported incidence for six years, and the third annual increase in a row. It equates to a rate of 16.1 per 100,000 people.
Depression is widespread. 1 in 5 of the population of Scotland will experience it at some point in their lives. The situation is exacerbated if you live in a deprived area where risk of depression rises to 1: 4.
Globally the World Health Organisation (WHO) predicts that depression is soon to be the second biggest cause of illness world-wide. In 2004-5, over three hundred thousand people in Scotland consulted a doctor for depression. Research shows that as many again had depression but did not present themselves for medical help. On top of those affected personally, it also affects friends, family, neighbours and employers.
In 2009 NHS Lothian released figures which show that 77,000 people over the age of 18 were diagnosed with depression in 2008. This is compared to 68,000 from the previous year. Politicians and health experts warn that the problem will get worse as unemployment levels grow and peoples’ financial situations worsen. The Conservative-Liberal government’s ‘cut till it hurts’ policy will have drastic human costs. They seem oblivious to this.
Almost three-quarters of suicides in Scotland are by men, with young people particularly vulnerable. This was brought to our attention recently with the apparent suicide of four young men in Dundee in the space of 10 days.
What is particularly concerning is that men are less likely to seek help when in a vulnerable state. Scottish male machismo rails against men admitting mental health issues such as depression.
While the condition afflicts men as much as women, men account for only a third of GP consultations.
The exact cause of depression is not known although medical researchers have a number of ideas. For some people it can occur for no apparent reason, others can pinpoint a trigger such as a difficult life event, a bad time in their past or some sort of trauma.
It appears that in some families there can be a genetic element.
Whatever the cause, it is important to remember that depression is as much an illness as is cancer or diabetes. There is a lot of stigma around it and somebody may feel weak or ashamed to have depression.
It is up to those around the sufferer to help them ‘talk about it’. #
This is the first vital step in their recovery.
Symptoms may include feelings of hopelessness; inadequacy; anxiety; self-hatred; negativity; an inability to enjoy things which were once pleasurable in life; guilt; agitation; weight loss or weight gain; loss of energy or motivation; loss of sex-drive; disturbed sleep; poor concentration, indecisiveness; irritability, anger; social withdrawal; unexplained aches and pains; self-harm and recurring thoughts of death or suicide.
If you or someone around you has five or more of these symptoms during a two week period it is vital to consult your GP.
Most people with depression recover and go back to leading a normal life. It is important however to seek help. The following offer excellent advice.
Breathing Space: 0800 83 85 87
www.breathingspacescotland.co.uk - Helpline for young men 12-40 years who are experiencing difficulties and unhappiness in their lives and for their friends and family.
Depression Alliance Scotland: 0845 123 2320 info@dascot.org,
www.dascot.org - Telephone information and other support for people affected by depression. Information about symptoms and treatment, listening support and signposting to other agencies.
Aberdeen Samaritans: (01224) 574488
www.samaritans.org/aberdeen 60 Dee Street, Aberdeen AB11 6DS. Samaritans provides confidential non-judgemental emotional support, 24 hours a day for people who are experiencing feelings of distress or despair, including those which could lead to suicide.