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Depression - we need to take action
Last reviewed: 02.07.2025
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Every year the world celebrates World Health Day and in 2017 the theme of the company will be depression. People of any age suffer from this disease, regardless of social status, country of residence, etc. Depression brings severe psychological suffering to a person, negatively affects all aspects of life, including relationships with family, friends, colleagues. In particularly severe cases, the development of the disease leads to suicidal thoughts, according to statistics, mortality due to depressive disorders is in second place in the world among young people from 15 to 29 years old.
But, despite the difficulty of detection, depression can be treated and prevented. Today, there are a number of stereotypes about this disease, but experts are confident that a deeper understanding of the essence of the disease will help not only to take appropriate measures in a timely manner, but also to dispel some negative stereotypes about depression.
With the express purpose of telling people as much as possible about depression, World Health Day, which took place on October 10, was timed to coincide with the campaign planned by WHO for 2017. According to experts, over the next year it is necessary to tell the population in all countries about depression, the reasons for its development, the consequences that the course of the disease and refusal of medical care can lead to, as well as about the methods of treatment and prevention of this mental disorder. It is quite possible that many people who have suffered from depression for a long time will decide to seek help, and their family members, friends, colleagues will understand their condition and provide them with all possible support.
Depression is a condition in which a person is in constant despondency, loses interest in work, family, favorite activities. During depression, a person cannot and does not want to do their usual things, usually this condition lasts at least 2 weeks. The most common symptoms of depression are poor appetite, insomnia or, conversely, drowsiness, anxiety, inability to concentrate, restlessness, indecisiveness, a person develops a feeling of guilt, despair, insignificance, thoughts of suicide.
The stereotypes about depression that have been formed today prevent people from seeking professional help; people refuse to discuss the problem with family members, friends, and even doctors for various reasons. But discussing the problem in the media, social networks, society, and schools will help break down all the stereotypes and encourage people to seek help.
WHO has declared the company's motto: "Depression: Let's Talk." Experts note that the disease can begin in anyone, so the company should touch every person, regardless of their country of residence, income, social status, etc. But, despite this, special attention is required by teenagers and young people from 15 to 24 years old, young women, especially women in labor, and people over 60 years old, since these categories have an increased risk of developing depression.
The WHO has specially prepared information materials that cover the following ideas: who can develop depression, what factors can trigger the disease, the consequences of depression, what can result from refusing help, what methods of treatment and prevention exist, and how to get rid of stereotypes about depression.