The Death of Professional Goalkeeper Robert Enke Reveals how Depression can Take Your Life
Not only are sports fans shocked by the sudden death of the Robert Enke; the 32-year-old German goalkeeper threw himself in front of a train near his home in Hanover. His wife, Teresa, told a press conference in tears, that professional athletes suffer a lot from depression, and Robert Enke is not the first athlete who suffered from the disease. Although in his case it led to the worst outcome.
It is still a topic that is considered taboo in society. According to expert estimates there are 121 million people who suffer from worldwide depression. In Germany alone, according to the Federal Ministry of Health, there are 40 million, ten million of which had up until the age of 65. The disease is the leading cause of disability, it is also the main cause of suicides, more than ten percent of the severely ill that suffer from depression commit suicide.
Depression sufferers generally develop saddened and depressive moods. They withdraw from the world and have no interest in maintaining social contacts. In addition, sleep disturbances occur, anxiety, unwarranted feelings of guilt and the feeling of utter worthlessness. The patient loses all power, both physically and mentally exerting himself.
The causes of depression are varied and complex. It can be genetic or caused by chronic stress. However, there are purely biological reasons: Lack of sun can cause a lack of sunlight depression. Also, certain medications have depression as a side effect. In addition, drug and alcohol abuse and psychological pre-existing conditions such as anxiety or phobias can lead to depression.
One thing that causes depression can be traumatic experiences. This is fairly close to home with the case of Robert Enke. In 2006, his two year old daughter died from a congenital heart defect. His wife, however, said that Enke had already suffered from depression since 2003. The immense stress and pressures associated with a professional footballer, who has been the focus of public interest must always be positive in the spotlight. In 2007, the former Bayern and international star Sebastian Deisler who was just 27-year-old likewise almost ended his career. Eight months later, he explained to the public about the real reasons: He was suffering from depression.
A healthy kind of anti-depressant to fight depression is to play sports (unprofessionally). During the practice of sports, endorphins are released which constitute as happy hormones. This generally has a positive effect on the morale of patients. The Professional Association of Rehabilitation physicians emphasized that the possibilities are endless for sports to fight depression, but that they are used far too little.
In most cases with medication and psychotherapy the disease can be cured. But just because depression is still a taboo subject, it is often hard for those affected to respond to their illness and get professional help. Not only in the professional world of sports but in normal work environments people are suffering from depression every day that can become unbearable. The best solution is to talk to someone about it, before it becomes fatal like in the case of Robert Enke.
