ACCORDING to statistics from the 2015 Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS), 29.2 percent, or 4.2 million, citizens above the age of 16 years suffer from depression.

The study also indicated that the majority of them are in the 16-19 age bracket and come from the lower income group.

Among the factors contributing to the condition are financial issues, loss of employment, work stress and family problems resulting from divorce, lack of parental knowledge, anger management and substance abuse.

The study said the number of cases had doubled compared to 2006 (11.2 percent) and 1996 (10.6 percent).

Selayang Hospital Psychiatrist, Dr Nor Hayati Ali told Harian Metro today that unless this problem is thwarted, the number of people affected would increase up to 300 million worldwide according to the World Health Organisation (WHO).

She said depression is a mental sickness that needs to be treated through biological treatment.

“That is why, for the first time since 1948, WHO has chosen to make depression their theme in collaboration with the World Heath Day 2017 to increase awareness of the dangers of depression.

“This illness is caused by certain factors and myths that can bring about unexpected actions like suicide.

“So, the public needs to be aware of this and support each other if there are any early signs of depression,” she said at the Depression Awareness Campaign: Let’s Discuss at Sunway Putra Mall.

Also there at the campaign was Deputy Minister of Tourism and Culture, Mas Ermieyati Samsudin who said that everyone has to play a role in combating depression.

She also said depression is expected to be the second highest contributing sickness by the year 2020. – April 24, 2017.