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WHO calls for support and encouragement for depression sufferers

WHO calls for support and encouragement for depression sufferers

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Everyone feels sad every now and then, but constant feelings of sadness, guilt or low self-worth, as well as disturbed sleep or appetite, could be symptoms of depression, according to mental health professionals.

The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that approximately 350 million people across the planet are currently suffering from depression, or have had the disorder in the past year.

Depression is the theme for World Mental Health Day, observed annually on 10 October.

Dr. Shekar Saxena, a mental health and substance abuse expert at WHO in Geneva, tells Patrick Maigua that while depression affects about 5 per cent of the general public that figure can be higher in some groups.

Duration:  4'27"