Pics: Spoorthi Ullal

Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (ANK)

Mangaluru Apr 8: Zilla panchayat vice president Kasturi Panja inaugurated the 'World Health Day' under the theme 'depression' at Town Hall on Friday April 7. The programme was jointly organised by the district administration, Mangaluru City Corporation, district police department and district health and family welfare
department.

Addressing the gathering Kasturi Panja said, "There was a time when lot of time would be spent with family, but today we are more inclined toward technology and as a result family bonding is lacking. To encourage us and to avoid getting into depression it is crucial to talk to others when we are dispirited."

Mayor Kavitha Sanil said, "In early times people preffered living in joint families, but today people want to live away from their parents. When we are deeply pained or disheartened, no one is around to share it. This may also lead to depression due to pressure built in the brain. Nowadays people fail to digest their success and pressurize themselves on overcoming it. It is better if students treat every problem in a sportive manner to avoid depression."

Zilla panchayat CEO Dr M R Ravi said, "Today depression has loomed among young students. As nearly as 70% of the students are in the clutches of depression. A point of concern is that statistics reveal nearly 15 suicide cases occur every hour on account of this. It is crucial to address the cause for youth resorting to the extreme step of suicide. A huge transformation has taken place. Life has turned more mechanical and materialistic. It is unfortunate that emotional bonding has totally declined. In times of trouble, one must share it with another for moral support in order to push away depression or else it will be difficult to emerge from that phase."

DHO Ramakrishna Roa, superintendent of Wenlock Hospital Rajeshwari Devi, superintendent of Lady Goshen Hospital Savitha and others were present.