The Chief Consultant and Head of Behavioural Medicine at the Karu General Hospital, Dr. Daramola Tayo has raised alarm over the increasing number of Nigerians suffering from depression.
Tayo who put the figure at 9 million stated that depression currently accounts for one out of 10 causes of death in the country. He warned that if urgent steps are not taken to address it, the casualty rate could double.
The medical expert made this disclosure on Tuesday in Abuja at a health talk organized by the Public Health Department, Health and Human Services Secretariat of the Federal Capita Territory Administration (FCTA).
He described depression as "a mental disorder resulting from long lasting low mood affecting one’s ability to do things, to have pleasure or have interest in activities one used to enjoy".
Dr. Tayo listed the causes of depression to include “trauma, life circumstances, chronic and severe illness, hormones and lifestyle among others.’’
He also identified the symptoms as guilt, weight loss, hopelessness and worthlessness, loss of confidence, which could result to the thought of self-harm or attempting suicide.
“In view of the high prevalence in Nigeria and the worldwide figure, there is the urgent need for governments, individuals to redouble efforts in fighting the scourge to reduce its mortality rate,” Tayo said.
