By CHRISTABEL CHIWILA –
LACK of sex drive is one primary symptom of depression according to the Mental Health Club (MHC) of Ndola.
MHC president Harrison Njonga said people who were depressed had decreased energy as they felt bad about themselves and viewed their partners through a negative filter, all of which impacted sex drive negatively. “The change in sex drive is a key symptom we look at when deciding if someone fits the diagnosis for major depressive episodes,” he said.
Mr Njonga, however, said the study showed that depression affected women more than men, because they sought help when they were affected He said the cultural norm that showed that men were stronger had prevented them
from seeking help, and that if they felt low or depressed could find different ways to battle it.
Zambia has a lot of men fighting depression but they find means to suppress it with substances like alcohol and drugs,” he said.
He said citizens should understand that depression was a condition that could be managed and treated.
“Depression is a condition that people have little knowledge about and some of them will say they are fine
instead of seeking help,” he said.
Mr Njonga urged individuals to seek mental at health facilities where adequate information on mental health and mental conditions were provided.
“People have been stigmatised because they do not have full information about mental health because there are a
lot of things that can cause depression,” he said.
