Containing Depression : Counter Strategies Cameroonians Employ

As people ruminate over life’s realities, no day can be termed the most depressive. 
Testimonies from some Cameroonians reveal that there is no day that is more depressing than the other. But, depression unfortunately has cemented itself into modern culture due to the different problems people face each day. Hence, different people share their tips on how they save themselves from gloomy moments while finding time to jump at any chance that promotes their feel-good.
Etoile N is a woman in her early 30s. Being depressive has become part of her life. As a senior staff in a State corporation and constantly being jilted by men, Etoile says self-doubt constantly creeps in and swiftly turns into depression causing her to feel very unhappy and hopeless. In such a situation, Etoile says her reaction will depend on the cause of her depressive state. Generally, when emotionally depressed, Etoile reveals she eats a lot. “During such periods, I can get up at mid night to prepare lots of food. The more I cook, the more I eat and get fatter.” In a comic mood, Etoile states that when she is depressed, some of her siblings are happy because they will have lots of good meal to eat as she will constantly be cooking. However, when the cause of her problem is not emotional, she takes pleasure in making love as a means out of the sad mood.
Daniel D is another Cameroonian who spends more time in the gym when in a depressive mood. After sports, Daniel D gets into activities like reading. This is to enable him to change his thoughts. When the situation persists, he seeks the help of a psychologist. In a situation where he cannot find a psychologist, he takes time to converse with any person with a listening ear. Accord...