M. A. Jabbar :
World Health Day will be observed in Bangladesh on 7 April, like elsewhere in the globe with a call to prevent depression, a mental health problem worldwide. Depression – Let us talk is the theme of the day this year. As per WHO data the number of people living with depression has increased by 18 percent between 2005 and 2015 which is the largest cause of disability worldwide. It needs attention and action when WHO fact reveals that more than 80 percent of people living in low and middle income countries are suffering from depression.
According to the Experts, depression is a common illness with an estimated 350 million people worldwide. They are of the opinion that a person having low mood for most of the time of the day for two weeks are the case of depression. As per data 16.1 percent of the adult population and around 18 percent of children and adolescents suffer from different forms of mental health. Among this population 4.6 percent people are suffering from depression in Bangladesh. The number is 0.95 percent among the children and adolescents segment of population.
What are the symptoms of the disease? The experts say that persistent sadness and a loss of interest in activities accompanied by an inability to carry out routine works are the symptom of depression. Other characteristics include energy loss, anxiety, less concentration in work, change of appetite, sleeping either more or less, restlessness and feeling guilty and hopelessness and thoughts of self harm or suicide etc.
Why people suffer from depression. Social scientists believe that poverty, unemployment, death of near and dear ones, relationship break-up, physical weakness and sudden hurt are the factors of depression. Drug abuse lead to depression not only effect the individuals but also family and the society at large. Human resources, particularly the youth-force plays an important role for any socio-economic development of a country. If they fall prey drug addicts it brings curse not only for the addicts themselves but also for the family and society at large.
How to combat depression is a matter of discussion worldwide. Medical scientists say that someone with an anxiety disorder also suffer from depression or vice versa. Nearly one-half of those diagnosed with depression are also diagnosed with an anxiety disorder. Experts are of the opinion that actual cause of depression should be detected and remedial measures to be applied before it is too late. Depression can be effectively prevented and treated by talking and exchanging views with the affected persons. A congenial atmosphere with friendly environment at home and workplace can contribute significantly towards preventing depression. Already affected person can be given relief through arrangement of counseling. Parents can talk with their children suffering from depression; friends can talk with their affected friends having depression and can encourage them for a better life. Beside this, anti-depression medicine is suggested as a matter of treatment. The actual cause of depression should be detected and proper step to be taken for its remedy.
Good food and physical exercise: Having balanced, nutrient and risk-free good food are important factors for leading life without depression. One should also drink adequate fresh water regularly for healthy life. Moreover, regular physical exercise helps keep body fit and healthy and act towards preventing depression.
Scientists and experts of the subject are working relentlessly in this regard. The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 2030 highlighted the importance of promoting mental health and well-being and prevention and treatment of substance abuse. Welcoming the bold plan of action for people UN Secretary General said that the new agenda as promised by the UN leaders will pave the way for healthy living. It is a universal, integrated and transformative vision for a better world.
UNODC, with cooperation of the United Nations bodies and different international organizations namely International Narcotics Control Board(INCB) and the World Health Organization (WHO) and also where appropriate, the private sector member states of the illicit supply chain particularly in distribution and trafficking are working to better utilize the experiences, exchange views and technical expertise and resources of each organizations to fight against drug abuse towards creating avenue for strong youth force.
Depression is the outcome of frustration due to failure of establishment in life. Moreover, failure to get employment or non availability of job as per expectation, loss in business, disappointment out of familial problem, social insecurity, prolongation of health ailments, failure to make life as per expectation, drug abuse, maintaining bad company and wastage of time in early life and in some cases high ambitious are some contributory factors for depression.
This year’s theme – Depression is persistent to socio-economic condition and health sector development of the WHO member countries. As such Government of Bangladesh has given priority for upliftment of socio-economic development of the country. Government’s efforts for socio-economic development have got international recognition. Strong and healthy youth force is pre-requisite for a nation. As such, government has given priority for creating strong and skilled youth force of the country. Its achievement in the field of information technology is praiseworthy. People of all strata of life are enjoying the benefits of information technology. It has undertaken multi-furious steps for health benefits of the people. Marginalized segment of population is getting coverage under social safety net of the government. All these can contribute significantly towards building a healthy nation free from stigma and depression.
As depression is a great public health problem, this year’s theme of the World Health Day can be utilized as a tool for campaign for mass awareness. Along with government’s efforts, health personnel, family, society and individuals may come forward to raise awareness to prevent depression.
(M.A. Jabbar is banker and executive secretary of ADHUNIK, national anti-tobacco organization of Bangladesh.)
