Up to 1.2 million people suffer from depression in Poland; according to the World Health Organisation, it is the fourth most serious illness in the world and one of the leading causes of suicide. 23 February is the National Day Against Depression. Experts remind us that it is worth and necessary to ask for help.
The Ministry of Health, in a post on the social networking site this morning, cited the results of the EZOP II public mental health survey, conducted on a group of 15,000 Poles aged 18-64. They show that mental disorders in a lifetime perspective were indicated by 26.5 per cent of participants, of which depressive episodes accounted for nearly 4 per cent.
- Anyone experiencing a mental health crisis will receive help at the Support Centre on 800 70 2222, the health ministry reminded on Thursday.
According to the National Health Fund, 1.5 million people bought antidepressants in 2021 - 59 per cent more than in 2013. In the same year, services were provided to 682,000 patients with a diagnosis of depression as their main or comorbid diagnosis.
Depression is not a temporary lowering of mood, but a serious mental disorder. It significantly impedes functioning in many spheres of life, such as work or relationships with other people. It is a source of suffering for those who experience it. Often the first symptoms go unnoticed, not only by relatives, but even by the patients themselves. The disease can affect anyone regardless of gender, age or social status. It often develops over years, discreetly and slowly taking away the joy of living. The patient is accompanied by persistent sadness, lack of energy, and lack of interest in activities that used to give pleasure and satisfaction. Sleep problems (insomnia or sluggishness), restlessness, difficulty concentrating, loss of self-esteem, feelings of guilt or hopelessness of existence, thoughts of self-harm or even persistent suicidal thoughts are hallmarks of this illness.
Mental disorders are joined by somatic, or bodily, symptoms. As a result of depressive symptoms, patients start neglecting their daily duties - work, school, personal hygiene. Basic activities such as getting out of bed or going to the shop become a problem for them.
National Depression Day was established in 2001 by the Minister of Health to spread awareness of depression and other related disorders.
Source: cowzdrowiu.pl
Graphic: Ministry of Health