Let’s talk about depression
The development of a country cannot be measured by physical indicators alone. Industrial and infrastructure growth as well as improvement in quality of life indicators are certainly necessary but more abstract criteria such as the rule of law and positive socio-cultural and religious framework are equally important. Similarly critical to the development of the nation is the mental health of the Sri Lankan people. Positive mental health should be integrated as an indicator of human development, since wealth alone cannot be the basis of a good life. Wealth without peace of mind would not allow a person to lead a life that is of use to oneself and to society
We dedicate this latest issue of Gaveshana to the discussion of mental health. We emphasize the need to view societal development from a new angle through examining the negative aspects of depression and anxiety. In a similar vein, the theme of the WHO World Health Day on the 7th of April this year was ‘Depression – Let’s talk’, highlighting the need for greater awareness of depression and mental health.
Many research findings indicate direct co-relation between mental health problems and physical conditions such as diabetes, hypertension and cancer. How, then, can a person improve his mental health so that he can obtain relief for physical conditions? Is there a relationship between mental health problems and the physical age of the body? How do mental abilities and mental status change according to gender? If there are differences, how can they be exploited to work towards a better society? We seek answers to these and many other related questions in this edition of Gaveshana.
Editorial 28th volume
