ISLAMABAD: Depression accounts for 6pc of mental illnesses in Pakistan and this rate in increasing due to many issues such as economic loss, insecurity, politicaluncertainty,unemployment, stressful working conditions, gender discrimination and disruption of social settings.

This was stated in a joint statement by health experts released on the eve of Mental Health Day.

Head of the Department of Psychiatry at PimsProf Rizwan Taj said depression has become a global issue, especially in the developing countries.

`It is a significant contributor to the global burden of diseases and af fects people in all communities across the world. Today, depressionis estimated to affect 350 million people,` he said.

Almost one million people commit suicide every year, which is 3,000 suicides a day.

Depressionis infact the leading contributor of diseases in women, he said.

`A depressive disorder is an illness which affects the body, mood and thoughts. It affects the way a person eats and sleeps, the way people feel about themselves and the way they think.

Without treatment, the symptoms can last for weeks, months or years. Appropriate treatment can help most people who have depression,` he said.

Dr Taj said depressive disorders often start at a young age and are of ten recurring.

Head of the Psychiatry Department at the Capital Development Authority Hospital, Dr Anwarul Haq said research in developing countries suggest depression may be a risk factor for the poor growth in young children.

Maternalmentalhealthinlowincome countries may have a substantial influence on growth during childhood, with the effects extending to the next generation.

`Depression is a common mental disorder the symptoms of which include low mood, loss of interest, decreased energy, feelings of guilt or low self-worth, disturbed sleep or appetite and poor concentration,` he added.

He said these problems can become chronic or recurrent and lead to substantial impairments in an individual`s ability to take care of their everyday responsibilities.

`Managing depression is a very signincant part of a patient`s life and depression can be easily diagnosed and treated in primary care,` he said. A Reporter