depression world health day

World Health Day is celebrated on April 7th every year to mark the founding of the World Health Organisation.

This year, the subject of World Health Day is depression.

Depression is a serious problem worldwide. It can seriously impact the quality of life of both sufferers and their loved ones. At worst, it can lead to suicide – which is now the second leading cause of death amongst 15-to-29-year olds.

I had a black dog, his name was depression

This short video tells the story of writer and illustrator Matthew Johnstone’s depression and how he overcame it. It was produced by Matthew, in collaboration with the World Health Organisation.

What is depression?

Depression is an illness, it is far more than the normal unhappiness that we all suffer.

Symptoms include –

  • persistent sadness
  • loss of interest in activities you normally enjoy
  • an inability to carry out daily activities for a period of time
  • loss of energy
  • appetite change
  • sleeping too much or not enough
  • anxiety
  • difficulty concentrating
  • indecisiveness
  • feeling restless
  • feeling worthless, hopeless, guilty
  • thinking about self-harm or suicide

James Chau shares his personal experience of depression

For people living with depression, talking about it can be the first step towards recovery. In this short video, James Chau, news presenter and WHO Goodwill Ambassador for Sustainable Development Goals and Health, speaks about his personal experience of depression, and what helped him recover.

What can you do about depression?

Depression is not something you can deal with alone. And the first thing you have to do to deal with depression is to talk.

That is why the campaign slogan for this year’s World Health Day is Depression: let’s talk.

Talking is the first step to getting help. It may be just admitting to a family member or close friend that you are struggling. Or, it may be telling work colleagues or bosses.

But talking can do even more. Psychotherapy is known as the ‘talking therapy’ and finding a good psychotherapist who really understands depression can put you on the road to managing the illness.

Living with a black dog

This short video is a guide for partners, carers and sufferers of depression. It provides advice for those living with and caring for people with depression.

Free consultation

At Medcare we have an experienced psychotherapist – Steve Ashley. Steve has helped many people to manage or overcome depression.

Working with the right therapist for you is important, so Steve offers a free initial consultation.

And, as Steve works closely with our experienced British GP, if you need more medical help, Steve can refer you or give you the right advice.

Don’t struggle alone with depression. Speak to friends, family and work colleagues if you can, and for professional help have a chat with Steve. It will cost you nothing and could be the first step to dramatically changing your life.

Hypnotherapy

In some cases, hypnotherapy can help people with depression. Our hypnotherapist, Angela Haram, has experience working with people with depression. For more information on hypnotherapy read our post What is hypnotherapy?

Remember – depression is an illness

Many people suffering from depression will not seek help because they feel ashamed. Don’t let that be you.

Depression is not a sign of weakness, it is an illness. As such, it needs treatment just like any physical illness.

There is absolutely no need to suffer in silence. If you are not ready to speak with people close to you, it is even more important that you get professional help.

Book your free initial appointment with Steve by calling 966 860 258, or fill in the form on the right and we will get back to you.

WHO depression help sheets

For more help and advice, check out these guides from WHO on various aspects of depression.

Depression: What you should know

Living with someone with depression?

Worried that your child is depressed?

Worried about the future? Preventing depression during your teens and twenties

Wondering why your new baby is not making you happy?

Staying positive and preventing depression as you get older

Do you know someone who may be considering suicide?

Do you feel like life is not worth living?

Book a free appointment with our psychotherapist

Call us on 966 860 258 or fill in the form on the right to book a free initial consultation with Steve Ashley, our psychotherapist.