Depression Is An Illness: WHO

JAKARTA, April 7 (Antara) - A depressive state is not a mere current mood but is rather categorized as an illness, World Health Organization (WHO) representative for Indonesia, Dr Jihane Tawilah, said. "We should change the stigma that is present in the community and spread awareness on depression as an illness rather than being someone's mood. It is a serious illness," she stated in Jakarta on Thursday. She further explained that a person suffering from depression is often seen as a weak individual who is unable to face challenges and problems and lacks a strong will to live. When in reality, this condition is a mental disorder that can affect anyone of any age and should be treated immediately as it can worsen with time, she added. "Depression is curable," she noted. She highlighted the importance of the awareness of the symptoms of depression as it is needed to prevent harmful incidents. Individuals who suffer from depression have the tendency to inflict harm on themselves as well as other people, and commit suicide during worst situations. Director of Mental Health and Drugs Maintenance and Prevention from the Ministry of Health, Dr Fidiansjah, stressed that the most important thing to overcome depression is for the sufferer to have someone to talk to. Fidiansjah explained that someone who is suffering from depression needs to be able to let out their feelings to someone who is willing to listen to them. It is also stressed that the listener should refrain from giving advices to depressed individuals as it can worsen the condition. "A depressed person needs to be heard and listened rather than being told to do something. They do not need that; in fact, advices as such can even contribute to worsening their depression," Fidiansjah noted.