Things You Should Know About Depression

• More than just a bout of the blues, depression isn't a weakness, nor is it something that you can simply "snap out" of. Depression is a chronic illness that usually requires long-term treatment, like diabetes or high blood pressure. 

• Depression ranges in seriousness from mild, temporary episodes of sadness to severe, persistent depression. Doctors use the term "clinical depression" to describe the more severe form of depression also known as "major depression" or "major depressive disorder."

• According to the World Health Organization (WHO), depression is one of the most disabling disorders in the world. It affects nearly 121 million people worldwide. Roughly 25% of women and 10% of men will experience depression at some point in their lifetime.

• Depression that goes untreated can lead to social, professional, financial and personal difficulties including academic, career and financial difficulties. 

• At its worst, depression may lead to suicidal ideation and even death by suicide 

• The suicide rate in Australia is 16.7 per 100,000 population for males, and is 4.4 per 100,000 population for females

• Although there are known, effective treatments for depression, fewer than half of those affected in the world (in some countries, fewer than 10%) receive such treatments. Barriers to effective care include a lack of resources, lack of trained health care providers, and social stigma associated with mental disorders.

• Depression is the leading cause of disability worldwide, and is a major contributor to the global burden of disease.