Fifi Geldof Reveals She Has Suffered Clinical Depression Since She Was 11, But Has Never Told Father Bob Geldof
Fifi Geldof Reveals Depression Battle, And Why She's Never Told Dad Bob
The Huffington Post UK
|
Fifi Geldof has given her first ever interview, revealing that she has battled depression since she was 11 years old, but has never told her father Bob.
Open Image Modal
Fifi Geldof has come forward to detail her long battle with depression, in the hope it will help fellow sufferers
The eldest of Bob's daughters with his late ex-wife Paula Yates has told the Daily Mail how she was diagnosed as a child with clinical depression, which surfaced during her parents' extremely acrimonious divorce.
"It’s confusing and it makes you feel quite lost within yourself," is how she remembers it. "It wasn’t a slow and gentle descent into depression. Something totally switches in your mind. I’m still trying to work out what’s wrong with me now."
Open Image Modal
Fifi says she wasn't close enough to her late mother to discuss her condition
Despite her long battle with the disease, Fifi reveals she has never spoken to her father Bob about it, saying, "I never expressly told my parents. Dad doesn’t know. I wouldn’t talk to him about it now. I don’t have that relationship with my family. I lean on my friends a lot more. We are a close family, but I have a different relationship with them than my friends."
And she reveals she was not close enough to her mother Paula to discuss it, either, saying, "We had a tempestuous relationship to say the least. I don’t think I knew her that well. If the situation that was going on then – I won’t elaborate on it – was going on today then the not talking would happen all over again. I don’t regret it and I still don’t."
Paula died of a heroin overdose in 2000, following the death of her lover Michael Hutchence in a Sydney hotel room three years earlier.
Open Image Modal
Fifi says she hasn't told her famous father Bob, not wanting to add to her family's burden
Fifi adds that the death of her sister Peaches earlier this year, also from a heroin overdose, has left an enormous hole in her life, but has not added to her depression.
Open Image Modal
Fifi Geldof (right) with her sister Peaches, whose death has shattered Fifi, but not added to her depression. she says
"Peaches’s death is like a piece of me that has been taken. A piece of my heart and my soul has gone. She was my baby sister."
Peaches was the sister Fifi would talk to the most about her own problems, saying, "She knew more than anyone else in the family. Peaches and I were quite similar, mostly in our feelings about stuff that went on that we bonded over. She loved books and reading. We were both quite cynical in our outlook of the world."
Fifi has spoken out in the hope that other sufferers do not feel alone. She says, ""Depression is nothing to be ashamed of, it affects an awful amount of people and yet there is still this ugly, shaming, misunderstood stigma around it. With depression you can have everything in the world and nothing. It affects people of all walks of life."
Depression has been given a significantly higher profile in recent months, with the death of Robin Williams, and several high-profile celebrities and sports stars coming forward to talk about their own experiences. Alastair Campbell and Ruby Wax are among those who have written about living with the condition for the Huffington Post UK.
Anyone suffering with mental health issues can click here for information on receiving help.
17 Facts About Depression
It's Not Just About Being Sad (01 of17)
Open Image Modal
There’s more to depression than just feeling sad all the time, says Dr. Prakash Masand, a psychiatrist and president of Global Medical Education. Symptoms of depression can include psychomotor (cognitive functions and physical movement) activity changes, trouble sleeping, loss of interest in pleasurable activities, feelings of guilt or hopelessness, decreased energy, trouble concentrating, appetite changes, while others may also have suicidal thoughts or attempts.
Who Has It?(02 of17)
Open Image Modal
One in six people will develop major depression in their lifetime, Masand says. "Major depression affects 121 million people worldwide. Two out of three individuals with depression do not receive adequate treatment."
The Issue Of Suicide (03 of17)
Open Image Modal
Depressed individuals are five times more likely to commit suicide, Masand says. In Canada, a 2009 report from Statistics Canada found depression was the most common illness among those who committed suicide, with approximately 60 per cent suffering from this condition. That year, there were 3,890 suicides in Canada,
It Doesn't Mean You Can't Live Your Life(04 of17)
Open Image Modal
Being diagnosed with depression doesn't have to stop you from living your day-to-day life or seeking professional help. Most people would never guess celebrities like Brad Pitt, Oprah Winfrey, Billy Joel and J.K. Rowling all battled depression.
It Can Be Expensive (05 of17)
Open Image Modal
In Canada, one 2012 report found depressed workers who take a leave of absence or schedule in doctor or therapy appointments during work hours, can cost an employer up to $18,000.
New Moms Can Get Hit (06 of17)
Open Image Modal
Masand says one in 10 new mothers will develop postpartum depression. "This is by no means a character flaw or weakness. Symptoms of depression or the 'baby blues' can occur in many women." Mothers who feel like they do have symptoms should seek treatment and not put it off.
Women Are More Likely To Be Depressed (07 of17)
Open Image Modal
Masand says women are twice as likely to develop depression as men, and although depression can strike at any age, the average age of onset is 32.
You're More Likely To Have A Heart Attack(08 of17)
Open Image Modal
Patients with depression are also more likely to have heart attacks and strokes compared to non-depressed individuals, Masand adds. Researchers note some symptoms of depression can reduce your overall physical and mental health, which increases your risk of heart disease or make symptoms of heart disease worse.
It's Not Just Adults (09 of17)
Open Image Modal
One out of 10 adolescents will have depressive disorder by the time they're 18, Masand says. "Compared to adults, children with depression may be more likely to present temper tantrums, somatic complaints, social withdrawal and mood liability."
It Doesn't Always "Go Away" (10 of17)
Open Image Modal
If you are seeking treatment or taking antidepressants, Masand adds it's not as simple as being symptom-free in a few weeks. "Medications take time to work, and a 10 to 12 week trial is necessary to achieve remission," he says. He also adds cognitive behavioral therapy and interpersonal psychotherapy are good options to moderate depression.
Depression And Bipolar Disorder Are Not The Same (11 of17)
Open Image Modal
Sometimes, people are misdiagnosed or use the two conditions interchangeably. Masand says healthcare professionals should also ask about the history of a patient's experience with hypomania and mania — both of which are linked to being bipolar.
Sometimes Being SAD Is More Than Just SAD (12 of17)
Open Image Modal
Many patients with seasonal affective disorder (SAD), which is winter depression, have undiagnosed bipolar disorder, Masand says. Again, this can be tracked by looking at the patient's medical history, and experience with hypomania and mood levels. Often, professionals (and patients) wait around for the weather to get better to feel better.
Exercise And Yoga Can Help(13 of17)
Open Image Modal
Masand says studies have shown exercise and yoga can be very helpful with patients with depression. "When you exercise, you release endorphins, a chemical in the brain that brings about a positive feeling over the body." The benefits of exercising in general include longer and deeper sleep, improved self-esteem and confidence, reduced stress and alleviated depression and anxiety.
How Is It Diagnosed? (14 of17)
Open Image Modal
There are no laboratory tests or brain scans that can diagnose depression, Masand says. Instead, doctors talk to patients about family history, look for depression symptoms and at the same time, rule out other conditions to narrow down depression.
Hidden Causes (15 of17)
Open Image Modal
Masand says many medications like steroids or isotretinoin have been linked to causing depression. If you recently started taking a new medication and are feeling the symptoms of depression, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about potential side effects.
The Link Between Antidepressants And Suicidal Thoughts (16 of17)
Open Image Modal
Antidepressants don’t usually increase suicidal thoughts and suicidal tendencies, Masand says, but some studies have shown a correlation with an increased risk in some patients. In particular, children, teens and those under 24 tend to have a higher risk of having suicidal thoughts. In this case, anyone under 24 should be monitored extra carefully for any suicidal behaviour.
Resiliency Can Be A Good Thing (17 of17)
Open Image Modal
People with the resiliency trait are less likely to develop depression. "The reason for this isn’t totally understood, but resilient people typically have a stronger belief in themselves, don’t let adversity bring them down and are more confident," Masand says. He adds these types of behaviours are also taught in therapy.