BLANTYRE—Depression, which is presented with depressed mood, loss of interest or pleasure, decreased energy, feelings of guilt or low self esteem, disturbed sleep or recurrent and poor concentration, is the fourth leading cause of disability in Malawi, a top health official says.

"At its severe form, depression can lead to suicide and is responsible for 850,000 deaths every year worldwide," Charles Mwansambo, principal secretary in the Ministry of Health said in a statement on World Mental Health day commemorated on October 10.

This year's theme is 'Depression: A Global crisis.'

Mwansambo said depression, a "clinical issue and not a sign of personal weakness", affects 121 million people worldwide and was a "disorder that can be reliably diagnosed and successfully treated."

He urged Malawians not be "embarrassed or ashamed to have depression and it is necessary to seek help if any person has any of the signs and symptoms associated with depression."
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