As every January 13, the World Day to Fight Depression. A disease “common throughout the world” that affects 280 million people, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
For this reason, the General Directorate of Traffic (DGT) has issued a notice on the dangers and consequences of getting behind the wheel if you suffer from this mental disorder.
Depression causes mood swings and short responses to problems of everyday life. “It can become a serious health problem, especially when it is recurrent and of moderate intensity”, explains the WHO. The organism indicates that it can cause “great suffering” and “alter their work, school and family activities”.
Consequences of driving with depression
The DGT has taken advantage of this day to remember through its Twitter account that depression can influence driving. «From the point of view of road safety, and safety in all fields, Special attention is paid to this pathology and the accident rate», he emphasizes.
“Some symptoms in certain phases of the disease may interfere with the ability to drive”
The entity explains why you should not drive if you suffer from this mental disorder: “The sleep disturbances, anxiety, attention deficit, increased reaction time or indecisiveness These are some symptoms that in certain phases of the disease can interfere with the ability to drive. In addition, he warns that not only these signals must be taken into account, since the drugs used to treat “They can also affect safe driving.”
Advice if you drive with depression
Driving with depression is not something that is strictly prohibited. However, the DGT lists a series of advice If yes, you finally decide to get behind the wheel.
Driving is not advised during the first weeks of starting treatment
Avoid the consumption of alcohol and other drugs when taking antidepressants and, in general, any medicine with pictorama medicines and driving
Do not self-medicate without consulting a doctor
always take medication
If medication interferes with safe driving, stop driving
With all this, the DGT insists on go to the doctor and follow all his instructions.