World Health Day today

Today, that is April 7^th is observed all over the world as World Health Day. The WHO theme for 2017 is “ Depression- Let’s talk.”

The growing epidemic of depression

In this world of internet, there is a growing distance between human beings and the economic , social isolation faced by several people is leading to a growing rate of depression. According to WHO more than 300 million people are living with depression globally. The overall goal of the campaign is that more people with depression, everywhere in the world, both seek and get help.

Suicide is usually a consequence of severe depression. Suicide is the second largest cause of death among the 15-29 year-old population. WHO has also identified strong links between depression and other noncommunicable diseases like diabetes, hypothyroidism, heart ailments and obesity. Depression can lead to any of these and vice-versa.

How to recognize depression?

Depression is a common mental illness characterized by persistent sadness and a loss of interest in activities that people normally enjoy, accompanied by an inability to carry out daily activities, for 14 days or longer.

People with depression normally have many of the following symptoms:

• a loss of energy
• a change in appetite
• sleeping more or less
• anxiety
• reduced concentration
• indecisiveness
• restlessness
• feelings of worthlessness
• guilt or hopelessnes; and
• thoughts of self-harm or suicide.