Depression is described as a common mental health
disorder that presents with persistent
low mood (sadness) that happens almost daily.It can last at least two weeks.
Depression leads to loss of interest in pleasurable
activities and feelings of guilt or low self worth.Other symptoms are failure
to sleep or sleeping excessively,loss of interest in activities that a person
used to enjoy and poor or excessive appetite.
Depression is a diagnosable medical condition that can
affect anyone.Symptoms range from mild to severe,it is also different from the
usual sadness,stress or fear that anyone can experience from time to time.
The condition is caused by a change or an imbalance of
chemicals in the brain.It is triggered by issues such as poverty,unemployment
and stressful events such as war,social unrest or death of a loved one.
It can also be triggered by mental disorders such as
anxiety,physical illnesses,such as cancer and HIV/AIDS.
The number of people living with depression increased by more
than 18% between 2005 and 2015,according to a new report by the world Health
Organisation (WHO),titled depression and other common mental disorders.
The report also disclosed that more than 80% of the disease
burden is among people living in low and middle income countries.
By Dr Sheila Ndyanabangi
The principal medical officer.
