ISLAMABAD,(MILLAT ONLINE/APP): World Health Day would be marked on
April 7 (Friday) across the globe including Pakistan with the theme
‘Depression’.Depression affects people of all ages, from all walks
of life, in all countries.
It causes mental anguish and impacts on people’s ability to
carry out even the simplest everyday tasks, with sometimes
devastating consequences for relationships with family and friends
and the ability to earn a living.
At worst, depression can lead to suicide, now the second
leading cause of death among 15-29-year olds.
Yet, depression can be prevented and treated.
A better understanding of what depression is, and how it can
be prevented and treated, will help reduce the stigma associated
with the condition, and lead to more people seeking help.
At the core of the campaign is the importance of talking about
depression as a vital component of recovery.
The stigma surrounding mental illness, including depression,
remains a barrier to people seeking help throughout the world.
Talking about depression, whether with a family member, friend
or medical professional; in larger groups, for example in schools,
the workplace and social settings; or in the public domain, in the
news media, blogs or social media, helps break down this stigma,
ultimately leading to more people seeking help.
The campaign slogan is: Depression: let’s talk.
Depression can affect anyone. So this campaign is for everyone,
whatever your age, sex, or social status.
At the World Health Organization, we have chosen to pay
particular attention to three groups that are disproportionally
affected: adolescents and young adults, women of childbearing age
(particularly following childbirth), and older adults (over 60s).
Materials targeting these audiences are available in the campaign
materials.