The Air Rescue Team of FEMERAID International informs all our members, Knights and Dames of the Sovereign Order of Saint John of Jerusalem, Knights of Malta, Federation of the Autonomous Priories (KMFAP) about the followings:
Mental health is now recognized as equally important to physical health. In fact, the two are closely related and should be taken seriously.
Depression, a common mood disorder, affects around 280 million people worldwide and can have significant impacts on physical health as well.
Do you feel sad, hopeless or lacking energy? Do you have difficulty sleeping or concentrating? While these are common symptoms of depression, they can also signal other conditions. Issues like vitamin D deficiency, anaemia, or even an undiagnosed condition such as autism may look similar to depression.
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), for instance, can cause fatigue and difficulty concentrating, symptoms often associated with depression. CFS can also involve dizziness, muscle and joint pain, and headaches, typically affecting young and middle-aged adults, with women being more commonly diagnosed than men.
Likewise, fibromyalgia, a musculoskeletal disorder, can lead to intense pain perception that often includes symptoms of depression. This condition affects the brain and spinal cord’s response to pain signals and, like CFS, is more prevalent in women.
Lyme disease, also known as the “great imitator”, shares symptoms with many other conditions, including depression. It can cause fatigue and cognitive issues that mimic depression. Typical symptoms include headaches, fever, and a distinctive bullseye rash known as erythema migrans.
Hypothyroidism, a condition in which the thyroid produces insufficient hormones, can also resemble depression, causing fatigue, weight gain, and memory problems. In fact, depression itself can be a symptom of hypothyroidism. Diagnosis is made through a blood test, and treatment usually includes synthetic thyroid hormones. The risk is higher if you have a family history of hypothyroidism, are over 60, or have an autoimmune disease.
Autism is another condition that can be mistaken for depression, especially among women who may mask autistic traits. Autism symptoms can include fear of social interactions, difficulty making friends, social isolation, and avoiding eye contact.
Vitamin D deficiency, which is common in adults, can cause fatigue and mood swings similar to those of depression. This deficiency is more likely to occur in people who are obese, have darker skin tones, or are over 65 years old.
Anaemia, which means having too few healthy blood cells to carry adequate oxygen to the body, can also be misinterpreted as depression due to symptoms like extreme fatigue, brain fog, and mood changes. Diagnosis requires a blood test, and treatment can be as simple as taking iron supplements or making dietary changes. People who menstruate, are pregnant, have chronic health conditions, or are over 65 are more likely to experience anaemia.
Bipolar disorder, a mental health condition characterized by intense mood swings, is sometimes misdiagnosed as depression. This disorder features periods of mania or hypomania, including symptoms such as euphoria, racing thoughts, and decreased need for sleep, alongside depressive episodes.
A healthy mind supports a healthy life. Mental health matters – never underestimate its importance.
30th October 2024
Dr. Nuno Gonçalo Cosmelli
Air Physician
Director of Air Rescue Service
General Secretary of FEMERAID International