‘Depression can lead to suicide’

Staff Report

LAHORE: Mental Health Federation Pakistan President Professor I A K Tareen said depression, if left untreated, could force a patient to harm him or herself and might even lead to suicide, according to a press release on Sunday.

He said depression was the most common psychological disorder encountered in general practice but people were reluctant to seek treatment on account of the social stigma attached to the illness.

While addressing a group of general practitioners, Mr Tareen said depression was one of five major disorders which could lead to disability and deterioration in the quality of life.

He quoted a recent World Health Organisation (WHO) report which said that developing countries spent less than one percent of their total budget on mental healthcare. “As the total healthcare budget in Pakistan is very meager, it is not difficult to imagine what importance is given to mental health,” he said.

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