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Udupi : Depression is the leading cause of ill health and disability worldwide. According to the latest estimates from WHO, more than 300 million people are now living with depression, an increase of more than 18% between 2005 and 2015, said Priyanka Mary Francis, Deputy Commissioner of Udupi District.

She was speaking at the World Health Day programme held under the WHO theme of “Depression – Let’s Talk” organized by District Administration, Udupi Zilla Panchayat, District Health & Family Welfare Department Udupi and G. Shanker Government Women’s First Grade College, Ajjarkad Udupi at Town Hall, Ajjarkad, Udupi on Friday, 7^th April, 2017.

She said lack of support for people with mental disorders, coupled with a fear of stigma, prevent many from accessing the treatment they need to live healthy, productive lives. She said those who are in depression should share our difficulties and problems to others. Keeping mum will increase the problem. Even Deepika Padukone famous cine actor shared her feeling to others and she solved her problem of depression.

She said one of the first steps is to address issues around prejudice and discrimination. For someone living with depression, talking and sharing to a person they trust is often the first step towards treatment and recovery. Talk openly about the depression with your closed one’s, otherwise talk with health counselors, she said.

The Word Health Day programme began with invocation. Dr. Rohini District Health Official gave key note address and welcomed the gatherings. During her key note address she said that the new estimates have been released in the lead-up to World Health Day on 7^th April, the high point in WHO’s year long campaign “Depression – Let’s talk. The overall goal of the campaign is that more people with depression especially youngsters seek and help. Depression is a common mental illness characterized by persistent sadness and a loss of interest in activities that people normally enjoy, accompanied by an inability to carry out daily activities for two weeks or longer. She said Udupi district free treatment, counseling and medicines are available in the district hospital.

Dinakar Baby President of Zilla Panchayat inaugurated the programme and gave his inaugural message. Sheela K Shetty Vice President of ZP released the broacher of awareness campaign on Depression and gave her address.

Meenakshi Madhava Bannanje President of Udupi City Municipal Council presided over the programme. Prof. Jagadish Rao Principal of G. Shanker Government First Grade Women’s College was present on the dais.