At a 2019 event, Betty Irabor, a seasoned journalist and founder of the glossy Genevieve Magazine, opened up about her struggles with depression. “I attempted suicide, if not for the timely intervention of my husband, who rushed me to the hospital,” Betty Irabor said to the audience of mostly women.
Betty recalled that her descent into depression dated back to her time as editor-in-chief for her magazine, when she worked long hours, often without sleep, trying to steer the lifestyle publication to success. This ambitious drive took a toll on her mental and physical health, she said.
“I couldn’t sleep, I couldn’t eat…I looked so thin and emaciated,” she said.
Irabor is hardly an isolated victim of a mental-health condition affecting 280 million worldwide and projected to be the leading cause of mental illnesses by 2030, according to the WHO.
Depression is a mental health illness that causes prolonged feelings of sadness and changes in a person’s thoughts, eating or sleep patterns. It is a mood disorder that creates challenges with memory and thinking.
Compared to the temporary emotional distress caused by a divorce or missing an appointment, depression includes more symptoms than sadness alone, such as anxiety, fatigue and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). These hinder sleep and result in variations in the person’s behaviour.
Depressive disorders exist in several forms, but clinical depression is by far the most severe. The WHO reports that the impact of depression on the global burden of disease has been enormous; thus, if neglected, it can often result in self-harm and even suicidal attempts, as in the case of Betty Irabor.
Not only adults but also children are prone to this mood disorder. Contrary to popular beliefs, the WHO reports that women are more likely to experience depression due to biological and sociocultural causes. For instance, biological events such as the menstrual cycle and menopause are associated with hormonal and physical changes that could trigger depression in some women.
Escaping the Blues
Despite its pervasive influence in contemporary society, depression is not without a cure. Research shows that even the most extreme cases of depression can be managed with appropriate care.
Maintaining a good, healthy relationship with friends and family provides crucial emotional support to those stuck in the rut. Seeking medical counsel is also essential. Professionals in mental health provide a mental health treatment plan, which may include antidepressant medications and talk therapy to help boost your moods.
In the long run, overcoming depression would mean breaking free from self-destructive habits in your life and building a sense of self-worth, as Irabor would later realise.
“I came to a realisation that my getting better was not in anybody’s hands, not even my psychiatrist. So, I stopped paying homage to the situation I was in,” she remarked.
Since overcoming depression, Irabor has championed mental-health awareness through her initiative called My Beautiful Mind Network. She has also published a memoir titled Dust to Dew, where she shares her journey through insecurities and depression, inspiring others to find hope.
Betty Irabor, founder of Genevieve Magazine, shared her struggles with depression and a suicide attempt during a 2019 event. Her depression developed due to the stress and long hours spent working on her magazine. Irabor's experiences highlight that depression affects millions globally and can lead to severe mental health issues, including suicide. Depression manifests as prolonged sadness, anxiety, fatigue, and changes in eating or sleep patterns.
Despite its prevalence, depression is treatable through emotional support from friends and family, professional mental health care, and breaking self-destructive habits. Irabor emphasizes the importance of personal responsibility in recovery. She now advocates for mental health awareness through her My Beautiful Mind Network and has authored a memoir, "Dust to Dew," to inspire others struggling with similar issues.
