ARE ANTIDEPRESSANTS right for you?

According to research, over 30% of South African adults will suffer from mental disorders such as depression and anxiety in their lifetime, with the majority going untreated. The South African Depression & Anxiety Group reports that around 23 recorded suicides occur daily in our country, although they estimate that the actual number is likely much higher. The stigmatism and ignorance around depression leave many doubting the validity of the illness and feeling confused about treatment options.

Dr Fatima Jeenah, psychiatrist at Psych Matters and lecturer in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of the Witwatersrand, helps demystify antidepressants and answers our questions on how