Why is this needed now, when depression has been around in our society for centuries? It is hardly a new issue. In very recent times, for example, the Scottish government introduced policies to improve the treatment of depression and to reduce the very high level of suicide within our country, and there are now evidence-based interventions that are known to help. So why this call for action?
The simple fact is that depression remains a major issue for our society. We know that despite the good work done to date, two people per day still die by suicide in Scotland. 13 per cent of people report suicidal thoughts, 4 per cent attempt suicide and 2 per cent carry out deliberate self-harm at some point in their life. The desire to reduce this – and the distress felt by people and those around them – is one of key reasons for this new campaign.
One of the other reasons is that a staggering 10 per cent of the population of Scotland – that’s around half a million – are taking antidepressant medication. It may be argued that not all of these people actually need or benefit from the medication, but it does certainly indicate the level of depression and distress around us.
In the run-up to the campaign, Action on Depression has worked with two families bereaved by suicide who, despite their loss, are united in their determination to take action by raising funds in memory of their loved ones. They want to increase awareness of depression as a treatable condition for which there are many forms of help, and to encourage everyone to take action where they can.
One of these is Sandra Lindsay, who lost her daughter Mandy due to depression in November 2009.
“The loss of our daughter Mandy at the age of 24 was a horrendous blow to our family and local community in South Lanarkshire,” Sandra says. “People used the word tragic about Mandy, but Mandy wasn’t tragic, what happened to her was the tragedy. Mandy will always be missed. Since Mandy died, we have worked tirelessly to create a legacy in her memory through our local fundraising efforts which will continue.”
And Elizabeth Rattray from East Lothian lost her son Duncan, aged 36, due to depression in July 2010.
“Our eldest son Duncan took his own life last July at the age of 36,” Elizabeth says. “Duncan had been suffering from depression. Unfortunately we did not appreciate the seriousness of it until it was too late.”
It has to be remembered that two groups of families, friends and colleagues experience a similar sense of loss and pain every day.
Whilst there have been many improvements in the understanding and treatment of depression, it is still the case that many people are unable to get the right type of help. This is sometimes due to a lack of services or long waiting lists, but it can also be due to the person feeling too embarrassed or ashamed to ask for help.
Action on Depression today calls on people across Scotland to support them in taking action to defeat depression. They invite the public to consider what action they can take to support people with depression, and make sure their own well-being and those around them is as good as it can be.
With such levels of depression, it may seem like one person can’t make much of a difference, but Action on Depression feel that this couldn’t be further from the truth. They believe that individual actions can save lives, and that people working together as a movement can change attitudes and raise awareness across the board.
Some of the examples they give are things such as making sure you look after yourself by doing some things that you value and enjoy, and taking small steps to improve your life. Because there is so much misunderstanding, it could also be finding out more about the signs of depression or crucially asking for some help and support if you need it without delay.
Thankfully not everyone experiences depression, but Action on Depression still feel there are things that can be done by us all. It might be asking a friend or work colleague how they are feeling if you think they aren’t themselves – and give time for them to answer. Or what about raising the level of knowledge about depression by organising an awareness-raising session in your workplace or distributing leaflets and information about depression around your community?
Depression is both common and treatable, and the majority of people can and do recover given the right help and support. What would really move this on is if we were all just a bit more tuned-in to the issue and decided to do something about it.
Action on Depression will continue to campaign and to support people – support them by donating by txt: Send AODN 11 £5 to 70070
– Dave Bertin is service manager at Action on Depression.
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