KARACHI:
Depression is one of the most common mental illnesses worldwide. Approximately 280 million depression cases happen annually. It has been estimated that mental illnesses affect at least 3.8% of the population, including a large proportion of the youth. Most people confuse depression with bipolar disorder and often depression is understood as usual mood fluctuations and short-lived emotional responses to the challenges of everyday life. However, depression is a separate mental illness, which can become a serious condition if there is a recurrent pattern with moderate or severe intensity.
If depression is left unaddressed, it can cause the affected person to suffer significantly and function poorly at work, school, and in the family. At its worst, depression results in suicides. According to a World Health Organization report, globally depression is more common among women than men. The report also reveals that an estimated 5% of adults suffer from depression around the world. The ever-changing dynamics of the world has further contributed to the rise in depression amongst the youth. This includes increased competition, urban lifestyles, and hectic schedules, competing counterparts with the same results, etc.
Surprisingly, depression is seldom part of the popular discourse in Pakistan. The most horrifying part is the non-acceptance of its existence. Most people in Pakistan consider temperature as more dangerous than depression. However, research has revealed otherwise. Today, approximately 3.4% of total deaths are caused by depression. The Covid pandemic has led to a surge in depression amongst the youth in Pakistan. It is time to begin raising awareness and addressing depression. Awareness campaigns, seminars and workshops on the identification of the symptoms of depression and prevention methods must be conducted regularly. If we fail to address this effectively and promptly, it will result in the loss of many lives and have a negative impact on society.
Abdul Khaliq
Lasbela
Published in The Express Tribune, November 3rd, 2021.
Like Opinion & Editorial on Facebook, follow @ETOpEd on Twitter to receive all updates on all our daily pieces.
