'Let's Talk', WHO says, as depression rates rise 18% in a decade

Depression is now the leadingcause of ill health and disability worldwide, the World HealthOrganization (WHO) said on Thursday, with more than 300 millionpeople suffering.

Rates of depression have risen by more than 18 per cent since2005, but a lack of support for the mental health combined witha common fear of stigma means many do not get the treatment theyneed to live healthy, productive lives.

"These new figures are a wake-up call for all countries tore-think their approaches to mental health and to treat it withthe urgency it deserves," Margaret Chan, the WHO'sdirector-general, said in a statement from the U.N. agency'sGeneva headquarters.

• Depression top cause of disability, WHO says
• About 1 in 10 young people experienced depression at some point, StatsCan says

The WHO is running a mental health campaign to tackle stigmaand misconceptions called "Depression: Let's Talk."

"For someone living with depression, talking to a personthey trust is often the first step towards treatment andrecovery," said Shekhar Saxena, director of the WHO's mentalhealth department.

Depression is a common mental illness characterized bypersistent sadness and a loss of interest and lack of ability ineveryday activities and work. It affects around 322 millionpeople worldwide.

Depression also increases the risk of several major diseasesand disorders including addiction, suicidal behaviour, diabetesand heart disease, which are themselves among the world'sbiggest killers.

Where to get help

Kids Help Phone1-800-668-6868(Phone), Live Chat (online chat counselling) - visitwww.kidshelpphone.ca

Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention:Find a24-hour crisis centre

If you're worried someone you know may be at risk of suicide, you should talk to them,says theCanadian Association of Suicide Prevention.Here aresomewarning signs:

• Suicidal thoughts.
• Substance abuse.
• Purposelessness.
• Anxiety.
• Feeling trapped.
• Hopelessness and helplessness.
• Withdrawal.
• Anger.
• Recklessness.
• Mood changes.