"DEPRESSION: LETS TALK”
Today 7 April 2017 is World Health Day. The World Health Organization (WHO) has launched the campaign, “Depression: Lets Talk.” For someone living with depression, talking to a person they trust is often the first step towards treatment and recovery.” Depression is the leading cause of ill health and disability worldwide. According to the latest WHO estimates, more than 300 million people live with depression. Lack of support for people with mental disorders, coupled with a fear of stigma, prevent many from accessing the treatment they need to live healthy, productive lives. (WHO) NEED FOR INCREASED INVESTMENT Investment in mental health makes economic sense and leads to direct returns in better health and ability to work. Failure to act is costly, and results in a global economic loss of a trillion US dollars incurred by households, employers and governments every year.
Symptoms of depression include a loss of energy, a change in appetite and sleeping patterns, anxiety, reduced concentration, indecisiveness, restlessness, feelings of worthlessness, guilt, or hopelessness. In extreme cases are thoughts of self-harm or suicide. People suffering from depression, must be able to seek and get help.