Depression Awareness Poster
"Depression is not a rare disease. It affects 4-5% people across the globe. In India, it is everywhere. Depression affects not only the patient, but also those close to them,” says Dr Henk Bekedam, WHO representative to India.Depression is most common among females (5.1 per cent) than males (3.6 per cent). “The number of people living with depression in India has increased by 18.4% between 2005 and 2015. Urbanisation is definitely a cause, as is minimal interpersonal interactions and the modern way of living (inactivity).” NIMHANS in Bengaluru released a mental health survey that said that the incidence of depression is roughly one in every 20 Indians or 5 per cent of the population.
Symptoms of depression may include the following: fatigue and low energy, body aches, headaches and cramps, irritability, insomnia/excessive sleep, feeling of guilt, worthlessness, losing interest in activities, difficulty in concentration/making decision, change in appetite and weight, morbid thoughts, lack of confidence and social withdrawal.
As yet there are no conclusive causes for depression and some of the risk factors are: Mental trauma/abuse, genetic factors, substance abuse, loss of a loved one, certain diseases/ medications and life changing events like relationship problems or change of residence.
Still, a majority of the affected people remain undiagnosed. Seek help - friends, family, parents, have a friend to talk to, it's really important.