Bar Bar Pucho: IMA Campaign for mental health
Depression is a major public health problem globally. Latest estimates from the World Health Organization (WHO) show that "depression is now the leading cause of ill health and disability worldwide. More than 300 million people are now living with depression, an increase of more than 18% between 2005 and 2015".
Several factors trigger development of depression: Inability to cope with the fast paced lifestyle of today, stressful events such as psychological trauma, bereavement, financial troubles, unemployment, etc. Then, some chronic illnesses such as diabetes, psoriasis, etc. may be associated with depression. A diagnosis of cancer, a huge life-changing event, may put the affected person in a state of depression.
Depression is common in all age groups and affects people from all walks of life. We have all read about Deepika Padukone, a highly successful actor, who seemingly had a perfect life and lacked for nothing, had to battle depression, right at the peak of her career.
