World Health Day, celebrated on 7 April each year to mark the anniversary of the founding of the World Health Organisation, provides an unique opportunity to mobilise action around a specific health topic of concern to people all over the world. The theme of the 2017 World Health Day campaign is “Depression”.
Depression affects people of all ages, from all walks of life and 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.
Yet, depression can be prevented and treated. A better understanding of what depression is, and how it can be prevented and treated, will help reduce the stigma associated with the condition, and lead to more people seeking help.
