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World Health Day provides an important focus on depression

7th April 2017 about a 2 minute read

Future Care Capital supports the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) campaign on depression for World Health Day.

The WHO reports that more than 300 million people are living with depression across the globe (WHO, 2017). In the United Kingdom, Mind estimate that one in four people will experience a mental health condition each year (Mind, online). Drawing attention to the mental health needs of older people, the Mental Health Foundation (online) reports that depression affects 22% of men and 28 percent of women aged 65 years and over in England. A study commissioned by Age UK estimated that depression affects 40% of older people in care homes (Help the Aged, 2004). Yet the Royal College of Psychiatrists (2009) estimate that 85 per cent of older people with depression receive no help from the National Health Service. These statistics show the prevalence of mental health needs and the increasing challenges faced by an ageing population.
key statistics on mental health and depression in later life.

The WHO argue that depression is now the leading cause of ill health and disability across the world and are calling for urgent investment to tackle worldwide mental health issues. Investment is needed because the WHO has identified strong links between depression and other disorders and diseases, such as heart disease.

Future Care Capital has set out a 2030 Vision for health and care which promotes the principles of parity of esteem across physical and mental health. The charity believes that through targeted education to improve behavioural health there can be a greater shift in public attitudes and increased resilience to tackle mental health issues across the board.