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DEPRESSION, A SILENT KILLER

Story by:Diana Marfowaa Sintim

 

BACS231163

 

Depression over the years kills millions of youths and adults globally. Depression is a major medical disorder that affects your mood to act well or normally. It’s a serious disorder that kills silently.

 CAUSES

Depression does not occur within a day, there are variety of events and reasons that triggers one to get depressed. Losing a loved one, lose of job, low performance in academics and sometimes even divorce triggers depression on you.

HOW DO I KNOW I’M DEPRESSED?

To know you are depressed, you always feel empty and sad, lose appetite most times also, lose pleasure in the daily activities you were fond of feel weary, and have constant headaches.

During a depressive episode, you might feel hopeless and guilty most times. Such feelings trigger suicidal thoughts, which is not the best solution to end the depression.

GLOBAL STATISTICS

According to the World Health Organization(WHO), 3.8 % of the world’s population is having depression of which 5.0% are adults and 5.7% are adults above 60years. Around the globe WHO has approximately 280 million people suffering from depression. A survey conducted by WHO also reveals that suicide is the fourth leading cause of death in youths between 15-29 years.

STATISTICS OF MENTAL HEALTH AUTHORITY

Checks revealed by the Mental Health Authority(MHA), Ghana, reveal that the number of persons who attempted suicide increased from 777 in 2020 to 902 in 2021. In every four attempted suicide in Ghana, three are women but men complete suicide more than women.

Currently, there is no toll-free line to call when feeling depressed in Ghana but, you should talk to loved ones and medical experts to guide you.

Although life may seem boring and hard to survive, the urge to move on is key. Always speak to a loved one when depressed.  

DEPRESSION, A SILENT KILLER

Story by:Diana Marfowaa Sintim

 

BACS231163

 

Depression over the years kills millions of youths and adults globally. Depression is a major medical disorder that affects your mood to act well or normally. It’s a serious disorder that kills silently.

 CAUSES

Depression does not occur within a day, there are variety of events and reasons that triggers one to get depressed. Losing a loved one, lose of job, low performance in academics and sometimes even divorce triggers depression on you.

HOW DO I KNOW I’M DEPRESSED?

To know you are depressed, you always feel empty and sad, lose appetite most times also, lose pleasure in the daily activities you were fond of feel weary, and have constant headaches.

During a depressive episode, you might feel hopeless and guilty most times. Such feelings trigger suicidal thoughts, which is not the best solution to end the depression.

GLOBAL STATISTICS

According to the World Health Organization(WHO), 3.8 % of the world’s population is having depression of which 5.0% are adults and 5.7% are adults above 60years. Around the globe WHO has approximately 280 million people suffering from depression. A survey conducted by WHO also reveals that suicide is the fourth leading cause of death in youths between 15-29 years.

STATISTICS OF MENTAL HEALTH AUTHORITY

Checks revealed by the Mental Health Authority(MHA), Ghana, reveal that the number of persons who attempted suicide increased from 777 in 2020 to 902 in 2021. In every four attempted suicide in Ghana, three are women but men complete suicide more than women.

Currently, there is no toll-free line to call when feeling depressed in Ghana but, you should talk to loved ones and medical experts to guide you.

Although life may seem boring and hard to survive, the urge to move on is key. Always speak to a loved one when depressed.  

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