There have been nearly 300 cases of depression over the last 5 years and the Ministry of Health has seen a steady increase in admissions as a result of depression at the public hospitals between 2012 to 2016.
This has been highlighted by the Minister for Health, Rosy Akbar during the launch of the World Health Day Tool Kit.
Akbar says the launch signifies the beginning of a yearlong “Let’s Talk Campaign for Depression”.
The Ministry of Health is launching these toolkits to better equip health professionals to recognise, prevent and treat depression.
Akbar says according to the World Health Organisation, Depression is a common mental disorder and globally and more than 300 million people of all ages suffer from it.
She says depression affects people of all age groups, all walks of life and backgrounds and causes a lot of emotional distress to a person.
Akbar says it affects their relationships with family and friends and impacts their ability to earn a living.
She adds the biggest challenge is removing the stigma associated with depression.
Akbar says depression can be effectively prevented and treated and treatment usually involves either a talking therapy or anti-depressant medication.
She says overcoming the stigma often associated with depression will lead to more people getting help.
