Qatar joined the international community to mark World Health Day (WHD), which is commemorated each year on April 7. Focusing on this year’s theme on raising awareness of depression as the leading cause of ill-health and disability worldwide, the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH), Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC), and Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC), along with other health partners, organised a number of events.
The World Health Organization (WHO) initiated a year-long campaign that aims to encourage more people with depression, everywhere in the world, to seek and receive help. This commitment is shared by all health partners in Qatar, whose efforts underpin this year’s WHO World Health Day slogan: “Depression: let’s talk”.
According to the latest estimates from WHO, more than 300 million people currently live with depression, representing an increase of more than 18% from 2005 to 2015. Globally there is a lack of effective support for people who suffer from depression. Limited diagnoses and professional care access, coupled with a fear of stigma, prevent many individuals from accessing the treatment they need to live healthy, productive lives.
According to the Global Burden of Disease Study (GBD 2010), “Major Depressive Disorder is the most burdensome disease in Qatar”.
The limited number of studies that have been undertaken in Qatar suggest that prevalence of mental disorders broadly reflect the WHO’s global estimates of prevalence. According to a baseline study carried out in Qatar in 2014, the barriers preventing those seeking professional help are predominantly related to fear of stigma.
The people of Qatar, like many other nations around the world, struggle to have an open and honest conversation about depression. Misconceptions, fear of social consequences, judgement and discomfort associated with talking about these issues with others, all tend to keep people silent. On a more personal level, depression is not often discussed among family and friends because of a strong preference towards dealing with issues themselves rather than burdening others with their problem.
To commemorate the World Health Day, HMC, PHCC and other partners organised a series of events and interactive discussions aimed at creating awareness among physicians and the public about depression. They also took part in other activities such as awareness campaigns to educate the general public about depression, its causes, and possible consequences. The campaign also focused on providing the public with information on available prevention and treatment options.
“Depression is a common mental illness characterized by persistent sadness and a loss of interest in activities that people normally used to enjoy. PHCC Health Centers are the first point of contact for patients with common mental health problems like depression. As patient-physician communication is an integral part of clinical practice, our physicians have undergone formal training to enhance their knowledge and skills, which are central to delivering a full and tailored service. We encourage patients to book an appointment with their local health centre should they need to discuss general well-being,” said Dr Fatema Mohammed Musa, Head of Service Development at PHCC.
Depression is different from normal sadness in that it can take over a person’s day-to-day life, interfering with their ability to work, study, eat, sleep, and their ability to feel happy. People with depression often experience a number of symptoms, including a loss of energy.
