With depression affecting people of all ages and from all walks of life across countries including India, the World Health Organisation (WHO) is all set to launch a campaign to create awareness about depression on its founding day on April 7.
The aim is to end the stigma surrounding mental illness, including depression, which remains a barrier to people seeking help throughout the world. Treatment usually involves either a talking therapy or antidepressant medication or a combination of these.
As per the World Health agency, between 1990 and 2013, the number of people suffering from depression and/or anxiety has increased by nearly 50 per cent from 416 million to 615 million.
In India, nearly 150 million people are suffering from mental health conditions and are in need of active interventions, according to a recent survey by the National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences (Nimhans) conducted in 12 States. It found that one in 20 Indians suffers from depression, with a higher incidence among women, the elderly, and those in urban metros.
Depression can be prevented and treated if recognized in time, said Dr Smitha Deshpande, head of the Centre of Excellence in Mental Health at Delhi-based RMl Hospital. “When family and society start talking about it, it means half the battle is won as it is better curable and prevented. WHO’s campaign will help reduce the stigma associated with the condition,” she added.
Depression is an illness characterised by persistent sadness and a loss of interest in activities that one normally enjoy, accompanied by an inability to carry out daily activities, for at least two weeks. Timely investment in depression and mental disorders treatment can ensure better returns, as has been noted by a recent study published in 'The lancet Psychiatry'.
Every USD 1 invested in scaling up treatment for depression and anxiety leads to a return of USD 4 in better health and ability to work, says the study which for the first time estimates the health and economic benefits of investing in treatment of the most common forms of mental illness globally. It makes strong case for greater investment in mental health services in countries of all income levels.
However, current investment in mental health services is far lower than what is needed. According to WHO's "Mental Health Atlas 2014" survey, governments spend on average 3 per cent of their health budgets on mental health, ranging from less than 1 per cent in low-income countries to 5 per cent in high-income countries.