According to the World Health Organization, an estimated 350 million people worldwide suffer from depression and more than half of them don’t receive the help they need to live healthy, fulfilling lives. In fact, the WHO says that depression may soon become the second leading cause of death by 2020 if trends don’t change. It’s important that this issue be addressed now before it gets worse in the future, which is why experts are calling depression a global health crisis with increasing frequency as new data emerges. Here are some of their reasons why.
How many people are affected?
According to the World Health Organization, more than 264 million people of all ages suffer from depression. That’s 4.4% of the world’s population. And the numbers are only increasing. In fact, depression is now the leading cause of disability worldwide.
What are the symptoms?
According to the World Health Organization, the symptoms of depression include: feeling sad or down most of the time, losing interest or pleasure in activities you used to enjoy, experiencing appetite or weight changes, sleeping more or less than usual, feeling tired all the time, feeling hopeless, worthless or guilty, having difficulty concentrating or making decisions and having thoughts of death or suicide.
How does it differ from grief?
While grief is a response to loss, depression is characterized by a persistent feeling of sadness and lack of interest in activities. Depression can also cause physical symptoms like fatigue and changes in appetite. Experts believe that depression is caused by a combination of genetic, biological, and environmental factors.
How to support someone with depression?
If you think someone you know may be depressed, the best thing you can do is to talk to him or her about it. You can also offer support by listening, being patient, and offering hope. There are many ways to help someone with depression, but it’s important to remember that each person is different and what works for one person may not work for another. If you’re not sure how to help, there are plenty of resources available that can guide you in the right direction.
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According to the World Health Organization, depression is the leading cause of disability worldwide. And it’s only getting worse. In fact, experts are now calling depression a global health crisis.