A better understanding of the disorder will help reduce the stigma associated with the illness
LAHORE: World Health Day is a global health awareness day celebrated every year on April 7th. This year the theme was ‘Depression: Let’s talk’. Almost half of Pakistan’s population suffers from depression, which is caused by a combination of physical, psychological and social factors. The sufferers are diagnosed with heart diseases, hypertension, diabetes or lack decision-making power and etcetera.
Depression affects people of all ages, hailing from different countries and walks of life. It impacts people’s ability to carry out everyday tasks, which have consequences on families, friends, and even communities and workplace. At worst, depression can lead to self-inflicted injury and suicide. Lawlessness, bomb explosions, poverty and unemployment are some of the major reasons for depression in the country. Although dangerous, depression is curable. A better understanding of the disorder will help reduce the stigma associated with the illness, leading to more people seeking professional help. Making simple changes in life such as, sleeping adequately to taking up a hobby can also help boost one’s mood and tackle depression.
Dr Zeeshan Khan
Published in The Express Tribune, April 12th, 2017.
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