World Health Organization (WHO) celebrates 7th of April every year, as World Health Day to mark the anniversary of WHO founding. This day provides us with an opportunity to spread awareness about a specific health topic of concern amongst people all over the world and take some action towards it.
Depression: The Theme for 2017
Depression is characterized by persistent sadness and a loss of interest in activities that a person normally enjoys, along with an inability to carry out daily activities. In addition, people with depression normally experience the following symptoms:
- Anxiety
- Lack of energy
- Loss of appetite
- Changes in sleeping patterns and habits
- Decrease in concentration
- Restlessness
- Feelings of worthlessness or hopelessness
- Thoughts of self-harm or suicide
Depression may affect people from all walks of life, irrespective of their age group, gender and ethnicity or geographical location. Depression causes mental anguish and inhibits people’s ability to do the simplest tasks in day-to-day life. It may sometimes lead to devastating consequences for relationships with family and friends, and affect the livelihood of a person causing financial damage. At worst, depression can develop suicidal tendency in a person, making it the second leading cause of death among teenagers and young people.
Depression has spread its pangs into our society and grown into a worldwide problem. Looking at the gravity of this psychosocial disorder, the theme of 2017 World Health Day campaign is “Depression: Let’s Talk”.
It’s Okay to Talk About Depression and Seek Help
Talking about depression is the first step towards its treatment. Aim of this WHO campaign is to:
- Make people more informed about depression, its causes and possible consequences, and what help can be given for prevention and treatment
- Motivate people with depression seek help
- Support and help family, friends and colleagues of people having depression
It is most important to make the people with depression feel that they are not alone, and that you care for them. Without having this intention and will, one can never help their friends or loved ones get out of depression. People who are facing this problem need great courage and moral support to cope up with this condition.
The more distant one gets from the family, the closer they get to depression. So, it is important to break the silence and speak about it. Let everyone be a part of the war against this mental illness. Turacoz Healthcare Solutions extends its support and cooperation to all those who are fighting depression.
