Mostly men consult doctors for depression issues

New Delhi: With mental health increasingly becoming a concern, problems like depression are becoming prevalent. It is then only apt that the theme by WHO for this year’s World Health Day, marked on April 7, is “Depression — Let’s Talk”.

Out of the total number of patients who consult doctors, most are men. Women don’t come for help, say doctors, adding that this also affects their children and their relationship with their families.

This is the first time since 2001 that a mental health theme is chosen for World Health Day. On this day, experts said that it is important to understand that depression is not a weakness but an illness like any other. If a person is feeling depressed, their family or friends should not dismiss it casually.

“It should be realised that depression can be treated successfully and that it is important to seek professional help as early as possible,” said Dr Rajesh Sagar, a professor from AIIMS.

He said that while mild depression can be treated at home with a change in lifestyle and talking to friends or family, clinical depression should be identified and help should be sought. He, however, added that clinical depression should not be confused with usual mood swings.

Clinical depression can be identified as persistent sadness for a minimum of two weeks and a loss of interest in activities that people normally enjoy, accompanied by an inability to carry out daily activities.

Depressive disorders are now also the second largest contributor to disability adjusted life years (DALYs) and are predicted to become the most disabling non-communicable disorder by 2020.

Explaining the economic consequences, Rakesh K. Chadda, HoD of Psychiatry, said that a recent study indicated that as compared to non-depressed individuals, depressed individuals lost about five times more work hours per week.

Play to help fight stigma
On the occasion of World Health Day on Friday, a play was performed at Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital to fight the superstitions and stigma surrounding depression.

The play, titled Avsaad Aao Baat Kare (Depression — Let’s Talk), which is also the WHO theme on World Health Day, depicted major body organs in human form accusing each other of being depressed.

Eventually they realise that the brain, the king of all organs, is depressed. At first, the brain turns into a ‘tantric’ who tries to cure the depression with ‘black magic’. This makes the depression worse, causing the brain to attempt suicide multiple times.

Finally an old caretaker and a friend take the patient to the psychiatrist, where psychological first aid, counselling and yoga, help the patient to recover from the disorder.

“Depression is increasing because our lifestyle is changing and people feel helpless and worthless when they do not ha-ve enough caretakers or friends,” said Dr Sagar Borker, from the department of preventive and social medicine at RML Hospital.

Depression is the leading cause of ill health and disability worldwide. According to the latest estimate, over 300 million people are now living with depression, an increase of more than 18 per cent between 2005 and 2015.