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About the Helpdesk
Depression is a common mental disorder that presents with depressed mood, loss of interest or pleasure, feelings of guilt or low self-worth, disturbed sleep or appetite, low energy, and poor concentration. It is estimated that 5-10% of the population at any given time is suffering from identifiable depression needing psychiatric or psychosocial intervention. The lifetime risk of developing depression is 10-20% in females and slightly less in males. At its worst, depression can lead to suicide, a tragic fatality associated with the loss of about 850 000 lives every year.
Epidemiological studies of depression often describe the combined rates for both depression and anxiety disorders (the “common mental disorders”). In India the point prevalence of serious mental disorders is about 10 to 20 per 1000 of the population.
Research shows that these problems can become chronic or recurrent, substantially impairing an individual’s ability to cope with daily life (WHO). At its most severe, depression can lead to suicide. Most cases of depression can be treated with medication or psychotherapy. When a person has a depressive disorder, it interferes with daily life, normal functioning, and causes pain for both the person with the disorder and those who care about him or her. Depression is a common but serious illness, and most people who experience it need treatment to get better. There has been a dearth for services in the area of mental and emotional health and there has also been a lot of taboo attached to this issue.
In order to deal with the issue of Depression "Express Depression Helpline" 040-46004600 has been initiated. The helpline provides counselling and guidance to people affected with depression through Phone, email or chat. The helpline provides free, confidential counseling to the people who are in emotional/psychological crisis by professionally trained counselor. |
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