World Health Day 2017 will be celebrated on April 7th to mark the anniversary of the founding of the World Health Organization (WHO), whose goal it is to build a better, healthier future for people all over the world.
Depression: Let’s Talk
The theme of 2017 World Health Day is “Depression: Let’s Talk”.
Depression is a disorder that affects people of all ages, from all walks of life, in all countries. It causes mental anguish and impacts on people’s ability to carry out even the simplest everyday tasks, with sometimes devastating consequences for relationships with family and friends and the ability to earn a living. At worst, depression can lead to suicide, now the second leading cause of death among 15-29-year olds.
Depression is preventable and treatable but it’s important for everyone to better understand what depression is along with how it can be prevented and treated. The campaign’s aim is to help reduce the stigma associated with the condition, and lead to more people seeking help. According to the latest WHO estimates, more than 300 million people are now living with depression, an increase of more than 18% between 2005 and 2015.
Depression impacts us all, whether directly or indirectly. If you are depressed or know someone who is, know that help is available:
- Talk to someone you trust as a first step.
- Depression can be effectively prevented and treated. Treatment usually involves either a talking therapy or antidepressant medication or a combination of these.
This year, let’s help overcome the stigma often associated with depression so that more people will get help.
#LetsTalk
