Udupi: “Depression is the leading cause of ill health and disability worldwide. According to the latest estimates from WHO, more than 300 million people are now living with depression. There has been an increase in cases by more than 18 percent between 2005 and 2015, said Priyanka Mary Francis, Deputy Commissioner of Udupi District.
She was speaking at a World Health Day programme held under the WHO theme of “Depression – Let’s Talk” organised by the District Administration, Udupi Zilla Panchayat, District Health and Family Welfare Department Udupi and G. Shanker Government Women’s First Grade College at Town Hall, Ajjarkad, Udupi on Friday, April 7.
She said the lack of support for people with mental disorders, coupled with a fear of stigma, prevent many from accessing the treatment they need to live healthy, productive lives. She said those who are in depression should share their difficulties and problems with others, or else it will aggravate. Even popular actress like Deepika Padukone suffered depression but she shared her feelings with others and fought bravely, she cited.
Priyanka said one of the first steps was to address the issues of prejudice and discrimination. “For someone living with depression, talking and sharing to a person they trust is often the first step towards treatment and recovery. Talk openly about the depression with your close ones or confide in health counsellors,” she advised.
The World Health Day programme began with an invocation. Dr. Rohini, District Health Official delivered the keynote address and welcomed the gathering. In her keynote address, she said that the new estimates had been released in the lead-up to World Health Day on April 7, the high point in WHO’s year long campaign “Depression – Let’s talk. “The overall goal of the campaign is that more people with depression especially youngsters seek help. Depression is a common mental illness characterised by persistent sadness and a loss of interest in activities that people normally enjoy, accompanied by an inability to carry out daily activities for two weeks or longer”, she explained. She said in Udupi free treatment, counselling and medicines were available at the district hospital.
Dinakar Baby, President of Zilla Panchayat inaugurated the programme and gave inaugural message. Sheela K Shetty, Vice President of ZP released the brochure of awareness campaign on depression and addressed the gathering.
Meenakshi Madhava Bannanje, President of Udupi City Municipal Council presided over the programme. Prof. Jagadish Rao, Principal of G. Shanker Government First Grade Women’s College was present on the dais.
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