ISUESS OF DEPRESSION TAKES CENTRE STAGE AS GLOBAL COMMUNITY MARKS WORLD HEALTH DAY

Issues bordering on public health takes the centre stage today as Nigeria joins the global community to mark World Health Day. Speaking on the theme of this year’s celebration “Depression: let’s Talk”, the Enugu State Commissioner for Health, Dr Sam Ngwu explained that depression could lead to self inflicted injury and suicide.

‘’Depression is a mood disorder and very prevalent and under diagnosed in Nigeria because of cultural reasons. It causes symptom that affects how you think, feel, and handle daily activities.

If the symptom persists for up to 2 weeks,  then it needs criteria for diagnosis.’’

According to Dr Ngwu, a better understanding of depression could result in treatment, prevention and reduction of the stigma associated with the illness.

‘’Depression can be overcome effectively if noticed earlier, it can be treated with medication or physiotherapy.’’

A cross section of people interviewed shared their experiences on depression.

‘’It is really bad to be depressed because you will not be happy with anything around you’’.

‘’I was once depressed when I prepared to travel to America, I got Visa on line, my Visa was stolen, in short it was the word of God that helped me because it was not easy for me’’.

April seventh became World Health Day after the World Health Organization held the first world Health Assembly in 1948.

EVELYN AWUNOR