'Let's Talk', WHO says, as depression rates rise 18% in a decade
WHO is running a mental health campaign to tackle stigma and misconceptions called "Depression: Let's Talk."
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.
More than 300 million people around the world are now living with #depression. #LetsTalk, seek and get help https://t.co/zmc4BY85DR pic.twitter.com/nOUFqfmcmx
—@WHOWHO expressed concern that in many countries there is littleor no support for people with mental health disorders, and saidonly around half of people with depression get treatment inwealthier nations.
On average just 3 per cent of government health budgets isspent on mental health, varying from less than 1 per cent in poorcountries to 5 per cent in rich ones, according to the WHO.
"A better understanding of depression and how it can betreated is just the beginning," said Saxena. "What needs tofollow is sustained scale-up of mental health servicesaccessible to everyone, even the most remote populations."
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.
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