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Depression

One of the most dangerous misperceptions surrounding mental illness is that nothing can be done. Even worse, people with depression sometimes blame themselves for their condition,If you are living with depression, my message to you is this: Help is available, and there is absolutely no shame in asking for it. Your depression is not your fault. And you are not alone.

Recently released data from the World Health Organization revealed depression as the leading contributor to disability worldwide. Moreover, between 2015 and 2020, the number of people living with depression grew to over 300 million people globally – an increase of over 18%. Less than half of people living with depression are receiving treatment – because of fear and discrimination arising from stigma, and lack of available services. People with mental illness should not suffer in silence. We need to talk openly and honestly about depression, to break down fear and stigma. Lives are at stake. Left untreated, depression can lead to suicide. It is a tragedy that over 500 people take their lives each day in this world, many of them are young people. It makes me terribly sad to think that we are losing people in the prime of their lives. Globally, WHO estimates less than US$ 2 per person is spent on mental health services each year. In low- and middle-income countries this figure is even lower, at less than US$ 0.25 per person per year. Mental health services are non-existent in some places, despite the fact that depression is very common. It can affect anyone, of any age, in any country. Depression often co-exists with other chronic diseases such as cancer, and it increases the risk of noncommunicable diseases such as diabetes and heart disease. In conflict areas or humanitarian emergencies, as many as one in five people are affected by depression. Beyond feeling sad or down Depression is different from daily changes in mood. It is a serious illness characterized by persistent feelings of sadness and a loss of interest in once enjoyable activities, for at least two weeks, accompanied by physical and psychological symptoms such as disturbed sleep or appetite, low energy, decreased concentration, and feelings of guilt or low self-worth. People suffering from a severe depressive episode may harm themselves and attempt to commit suicide. Adverse life events, such as the loss of a loved one, unemployment and trauma arising from violence or abuse, can increase the risk of developing depression. Depression can interfere with a person’s capacity to work and can lead to financial ruin from lost income and opportunity. Economies and governments also bear the burden of depression from decreased productivity and higher health and welfare expenditures. One of the most dangerous misperceptions surrounding mental illness is that nothing can be done. So therefore, Help people who are experiencing Depression.

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#Depressionawareness