Today, October 10, is World Mental Health Day, and this year the World Health Organization is focusing on depression. Their goal is to reduce depression’s negative social stigma so people with the disorder will be more willing to seek treatment. 
Worldwide, more than 350 million people (5% of the population) suffer from depression, yet fewer than half seek treatment for the disorder. In some countries, as few as 10% of depressed people receive treatment, according Dr. Shekhar Saxena, Director of the Department for Mental Health and Substance Abuse. The lack of treatment worldwide is partly due to the fact that some undeveloped countries lack the resources and trained professionals to diagnoses and treat the condition. However, here in the United States, the negative stigma associated with mental illness can prevent people from seeking treatment. Fortunately, results from a telephone poll commissioned by Screening for Mental Health, Inc. (SMH), a nonprofit provider of mental health screening programs, show that the stigma around depression is in decline. Key findings from the survey include the following:
Worldwide, more than 350 million people (5% of the population) suffer from depression, yet fewer than half seek treatment for the disorder. In some countries, as few as 10% of depressed people receive treatment, according Dr. Shekhar Saxena, Director of the Department for Mental Health and Substance Abuse. The lack of treatment worldwide is partly due to the fact that some undeveloped countries lack the resources and trained professionals to diagnoses and treat the condition. However, here in the United States, the negative stigma associated with mental illness can prevent people from seeking treatment. Fortunately, results from a telephone poll commissioned by Screening for Mental Health, Inc. (SMH), a nonprofit provider of mental health screening programs, show that the stigma around depression is in decline. Key findings from the survey include the following:
- Nearly half (53%) of respondents personally know someone who has been treated for depression
- Nearly three-quarters (72%) say they’d be likely to speak with a health care provider if they thought they were experiencing signs of depression
- Two-thirds (67%) believe depression can be successfully treated most of the time
The effort to raise awareness about depression is not limited to one day. Tomorrow, October 11, happens to be SMH’s 22nd annual National Depression Screening Day. As part of the event, organizations, colleges, and military installations will offer free, anonymous mental health screenings. The event also offers education about the signs and symptoms of depression and suicide as well as what to do if a loved one is at risk. A list of locations and online screenings is available at www.HelpYourselfHelpOthers.org. Depression Facts
- More than 350 million people suffer from depression worldwide
- More than 19 million Americans suffer from depression
- Depression is the leading cause of disability worldwide, and is a major contributor to the global burden of disease
- Women experience depression at roughly twice the rate of men
- Older patients with symptoms of depression have roughly 50% higher healthcare costs than non-depressed seniors
