More than 350 million people worldwide suffer from depression and mental disorders, according to the latest World Health Organization (WHO) figures released in conjunction with World Mental Health Day on October 10.
According to the WHO, depression occurs in all regions of the world. A study conducted with the support of WHO shows that about 5% of people suffering from depression last year. world population.
Most of the sick are women. According to Dr. Shekhar Saxena, the head of the mental health department at WHO, who is referred to by the AFP agency, the number of women suffering from depression is half the number of men. Such a large advantage is caused especially by the occurrence of postpartum depression in women; Every fifth woman suffers from it after childbirth.
The WHO points out that depression must be distinguished from normal mood swings. This disease is characterized by a feeling of sadness that lasts for at least two weeks and interferes with living normally.
The development of depression can be caused by all kinds of circumstances: economic hardship, unemployment, natural disasters and conflicts.
In its most severe form, it leads to suicide. Nearly one million people worldwide commit suicide each year; a large proportion of them suffer from depression. Dr. Saxena emphasizes that over 50 percent. people who committed suicide suffered from depression, and the more developed a country, the greater the number of sick people.
Depression is a shameful disease that many people do not admit to; it is often difficult to diagnose among children and adolescents – indicates the representative of the WHO.
The first step in dealing with an illness is admitting it and seeking help; the sooner treatment is started, the more effective it is.
It is about both psychotherapeutic and pharmacological treatment. As the WHO points out, it is crucial to participate in the treatment of both the sick and their relatives.
There are some very effective methods of fighting depression, unfortunately less than half of people with depression get the help they need. In many countries, this number is even less than 10%. – comments Shekhar Saxena. (PAP)