Creating awareness on prevention and control of depression
Overview
Depression is a common mental illness and an important public health problem. Depression is characterized by persistent sadness and a loss of interest and an inability to carry out daily activities, for at least two weeks. Depression is different from usual mood fluctuations and short-lived emotional responses to challenges in everyday life. Especially when long-lasting and with moderate or severe intensity, depression may become a serious health condition. It can cause the affected person to suffer greatly and function poorly at work, at school and in the family. At its worst, depression can lead to suicide.
Depression is treatable, with psychological treatment or antidepressant medication or a combination of these. Investment in treatment of depression is an economically sound policy. Every US$ 1 invested in scaling up treatment for depression leads to a return of US$ 4 in better health and ability to work. Although effective treatments for depression exist, fewer than half of those affected in the world (in many countries, fewer than 10%) receive such treatment. Barriers to effective care include lack of resources, inadequate trained health care providers, and persistent social stigma associated with mental disorders.
In Thailand, depression causes a significant number of years of life lost due to disability. The study of burden of diseases among Thai population in 2013 showed that depression was the third leading cause of disability-adjusted life year (DALY) lost in Thai females, after cardiovascular diseases and diabetes, respectively. Among males, it is among the top twelve causes of disease burden. Stigma surrounding mental illnesses, including depression, remains a major barrier for seeking help from family, friends and professionals. Depression is a treatable condition. No one with depression should be left unreached with the help and care they need. Talking with people who are trusted is the first step towards recovery from depression.
Key facts
Depression is a common mental disorder. Globally, more than 300 million people of all ages suffer from depression.
Depression is the leading cause of disability worldwide, and is a major contributor to the overall global burden of disease.
More women are affected by depression than men.
At its worst, depression can lead to suicide.
There are effective psychological and pharmacological treatments for depression.
In Thailand, depression was the number one cause of years of life lost due to disability (YLD) for female (12.6% of the burden).
It is estimated that 1.5 million Thai people suffer from depression.
Females had a higher prevalence compared with males at 2.9% and 1.7%, respectively.