World health day 2017
Advocate Quazi Shafiqur Rahman
The World Health Organization, WHO was established on April 7, 1948. So long, the organisation conducted many important work. Those include- global eradication of small pox and the implementation of a big number of health programs.
At the First World Health Assembly in 1948, the limited number of delegates from all over the world called for a World Health Day on the occasion of the anniversary of the founding of the organisation. Since 1950, the day is being observed every year on April 7. The day draws attention to some particular health priorities of the globe. Every year, a theme is determined for global observance of the day, which is not a public holiday.
Events, like conference for health workers, briefing for local politicians, documentary displays for children and young people are arranged on health day. Public rallies, demonstrations, as well as free or easy access to different medical tests, are also managed on the day.
The theme of the day for 2017 is Depression: : Lets talk. Depression is a common mental disorder, worldwide.
The symptoms are: depressed mood, loss of interest or pleasure, decreased energy, feelings of guilt, disturbed sleep, loss of appetite, sad feelings, even feelings of intense sadness, feelings of helplessness, and worthlessness-that last for days to weeks, keep the patient far away from normal functioning, diminished interest or pleasure in almost all activities every day, recurring thoughts of death or suicide, a sense of restlessness, and significant unintentional loss or gain of weight.
Depression is a subjective feeling of sadness and misery. However, during neurosis depression may be of considerable duration and intensity. We should apprise the sufferers, that depression is not anybodys fault. It is not a flaw of our character.
The irony of fact is that some people have good sense, about the way they become depressed, but many others dont. Its a disease that can affect anyone, and there are many good ways to treat depression.
More than 350 million people are living with depression. It is different from general mood fluctuations and short-lived emotional challenges of everyday life. If long lasting with moderate or severe intensity, depression may turn to be a serious health hazard.
The victim may have to suffer greatly and may function poorly at work. In some circumstances, depression may lead to suicide. It has been measured- over 800,000 wretched people commit suicide every-year. According to WHO, in 2004, depression was ranked as the third leading cause of global burden of disease.
However, it may occupy the first position by 2030. In Bangladesh, the first national survey on mental health conducted between 2003 and 2005 says, 16.1% of our adult population suffer mental disorders. Again, 4.6% of our adult population suffer depression. Another study conducted in the country says, 1% of our children are- victims of depression.
Although, there are possibly effective treatments for depression, yet fewer than half of those affected in the world- fewer than 10% of them get treatments. Barriers for treatment include- lack of resources and trained health care providers, social stigma and misconceptions about depression. Besides, another bottleneck is, inaccurate diagnosis and assessment.
The burden of depression and other mental health hazards is on the rise worldwide. For that, comprehensive and coordinated response to mental disorders at country level is urgent. If things are done carefully- anti depressants may be effective in about 70% of the cases. It may take 4-6 weeks, before the treatment becomes fully effective. Sometimes, a patient may need specific therapy like prolonged counseling, conditioned behaviour therapy and opinion of psychiatrist. In some situations, treatment should be carried out for at least six months, while in case of high risk of relapse, treatment may have to be continued for at least two years.
To face the challenge of depression, we should methodically discuss it amongst all and should never try to hide the problem. Everybody should encourage the people with depression.
They should be allowed to seek our cooperation, when necessary. Besides, we must give them our company. Professionals have to be made available to them in time of their necessity. They may have to be helped in their everyday work. They should be encouraged to do physical exercise and social works regularly. If they think of their harm all time, or they have intentionally harmed themselves, dont leave them alone during these occasions. For their treatment- medication and psychotherapy, both are important. With appropriate care, strategies, psychological assistance and medications, tens of millions of human-beings with mental disorder, including depression, may be allowed to start normal lives- even where resources are very much limited or scarce.
The writer can be reached at : [email protected]
