[Mhiz Rebecca]

The Chief Consultant and Head of Behavioural Medicine,
Karu General Hospital, Dr Daramola Tayo, says an
estimated nine million Nigerians may be suffering from
depression.
Tayo disclosed this on Tuesday in Abuja at a health talk
on depression organised by the Public Health
Department, Health and Human Services Secretariat,
FCTA.
The psychiatrist said depression could be described as a
mental disorder resulting from long-lasting low mood
affecting one’s ability to do things, to have pleasure or
have an interest in activities one used to enjoy.
“It also reflects on the loss of interest in sexual
activities among others.
“The prevalence has been put between five and 10
percent with an estimated figure of 180 million
populations, we actually have nine million people
suffering from the burden of depression,’’ he said.
Tayo, who noted that though individuals might
periodically undergo ups and downs due to loss of
loved ones among other challenges, such conditions or
situations could not necessarily be attributed to
depression.
He explained that for depression to occur, mental
disorder must have persisted for two weeks.
The expert identified other symptoms that could be
exhibited by patients suffering from depression as
feeling guilty, weight loss, hopelessness and
worthlessness, loss of confidence, which could result to
the thought of self-harm or attempting suicide.
“Other causes of depression are trauma, life
circumstances, chronic and severe illness, hormones,
lifestyle, among others.’’
He said that the 2008 World Health Organisation report
stipulated that by 2030, depression would be the
highest cause of death globally.
“In view of the high prevalence in Nigeria and the
worldwide figure, there is the urgent need for
governments, individuals to redouble efforts in fighting
the scourge to reduce its mortality rate,” Tayo said.
Earlier, Mrs Alice Odey-Achu, the Secretary Health and
Human Services Secretariat, FCTA said something
urgent should be done to reduce the rate of depression.
According to her, depression has resulted in one out of
10 causes of death among teenagers, young adults and
adults in recent times.
The secretary noted other consequences arising from
the condition include impaired ability to carry out simple
everyday tasks, breakdown in relationships with families
and impaired ability to work and earn a living.
Odey-Achu said that the conference was in
commemoration of the World Health Day with the
theme: ”Depression: Let’s talk’’.
“This year’s focus on depression is apt as this health
condition is increasing in incidence and prevalence at an
alarming rate.
“Just like any other disease, prevention is better than
cure more so when most people suffering from
depression, which is a mental disorder are reluctant to
seek help because of stigma surrounding mental health.
“This informed the inauguration of a campaign by the
Health Education and Promotion Unit of the Public
Health Department to increase awareness on
depression, how to recognise it, where to get treatment
and most importantly how to prevent it.
“Researches have revealed that the best way to prevent
illness is still through awareness creation and health
education,’’ Odey-Achu said.