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30 e-phaRmacy issue 10 volume 12 • novemBeR 2010 juNe sHANNoN Depression – new campaign – something to sing about Mr Johnny Logan and Ms niamh kavanagh; pictured at the launch of a new campaign called Lean on Me. Despite the high prevalence of depression worldwide and the fact that an estimated 400,000 people in Ireland today experience depression at any one time, the issue is still surrounded by a wall of silence and stigma. According to the WHO globally, mental health conditions account for 13 per cent of the total burden of disease, and 31 per cent of all years lived with disability. “By 2030, depression alone is likely to be the single highest contributor to burden of disease in the world – more so than heart disease, stroke, road traffic accidents, and HIV/AIDS.” “ “There is strong evidence that depression can be a hidden disorder and can manifest itself in many different ways.” epidemic A major new international survey on the prevalence of depression in Europe has revealed that almost half or 48 per cent of people have experienced depression at some stage in their lives and a massive 80 per cent know someone affected by the condition. However despite the huge prevalence of depression the new online survey by market research agency Ipsos MORI, carried out among 7,122 people in seven European counties including Ireland, also found that over half or 55 per cent of those who had experienced depression, did not tell their family and friends. In fact the survey found that two thirds of those surveyed or 75 per cent reported that they actually withdrew from family and friends when they were depressed. The reasons those surveyed gave for withdrawing from social and family supports when depressed included: 28 per cent saying they were “too scared, ashamed or overwhelmed”; 18 per cent thought that family and friends would not understand and would turn away from them; 57 per cent stated that they “didn’t want to burden them” with their problems and 29 per cent said that they didn’t know how to tell them. There is an estimated 400,000 people in Ireland experiencing depression at any one time yet despite the huge prevalence of the disease it is clear from this Ipsos MORI survey that a significant amount of stigma still surrounds the issue. lean on Me In an effort to break down the walls of stigma and silence that continue to surround mental health issues such as depression lundbeck, in association with AWARE, has launched a new mental health awareness campaign and website entitled ‘lean on Me’ which aims to encourage friends and family to support those affected by depression. The results of the IPOS Mori survey were published last month to mark the launch of the ‘lean on Me’ campaign. The ‘lean on Me’ campaign has been developed to dispel the myths surrounding depression. Its aim is to encourage better understanding of the condition, and, above all, empower people by providing support to those affected and encouraging them to seek treatment if necessary. The campaign includes an interactive website – www. June Shannon reports on a new mental health awareness campaign and website www. leanonme.net which hopes to break down barriers by encouraging friends and family members to support those suffering with the condition. leanonme.net – which provides detailed information on the causes, symptoms and impact of depression. eurovision legends Johnny logan and niamh Kavanagh were on hand to launch the campaign last month. The singers teamed up with Bray Gospel Choir to deliver a surprise performance of Bill Withers’ classic song ‘lean on Me’ to passers by and lunchtime shoppers in the centre of Dublin. Speaking at the launch two-time Eurovision winner Johnny logan explained why he got involved with lean on Me: “lean on Me has an important message – be a friend to lean on. I know that I wouldn’t be where I am today without the support and love of my friends and family.“ niamh Kavanagh commented “Just by being a friend to someone affected by depression you could help them on the road to recovery. The campaign challenged my perception of depression. It uses a different approach to encourage better understanding, empower you
issue 10 volume 12 • novemBeR 2010 to provide support to those affected and, encourage them to seek treatment.” The campaign was formally launched at an event at the RCPI on Kildare Street in Dublin at which Mr David Carton, Chairman of Aware, spoke about depression in Ireland. “Aware greatly welcomes the launch of lean on Me, focusing as it does on the importance of support for anyone experiencing depression. We urge anyone who is concerned about a friend or family member to encourage them to see their GP or mental health professional to ensure that they receive the appropriate care.” Kerry based GP Dr Eamonn Shanahan emphasised the crucial role played by family and friends in supporting a loved one with depression. “Studies have shown that the support of friends and family can help improve the recovery outcomes for those with depression,” he said. “Indeed, the World Health Organisation says that ‘psychological support from family, friends or health providers is powerfully protective hidden disorder Dr Conor Farren, Consultant Psychiatrist at St Patrick’s Hospital, Dublin, said, “There is strong evidence that depression can be a hidden disorder and can manifest itself in many different ways. It is vital to appreciate that even the most complicated cases of depression can be effectively treated, and the start of that treatment for the sufferer is through recognition of Mr David Carton, aware; Ms eithne boyan, Lundbeck; Dr Conor Metatone Irish their problem, Pharmacist and then Ad sharing 11/09/2009 the 03:23 Farren, pm st Patrick’s Page 1university Hospital; and Dr eamon shanahan, burden, with family, friends, support pictured at the launch of a new campaign. groups or professionals.” e-phaRmacy in depression. I encourage anyone who is concerned about a friend or family member to visit the lean on Me website to learn more about the ways in which they can provide this valuable support.” website Ms Eithne Boyan, Managing Director, lundbeck (Ireland) ltd, said, “lundbeck is committed to promoting awareness of depression Further information available on request. Chefaro Ireland Limited, Farnham Drive, Finglas, Dublin 11, Ireland. Tel: 01 879 0647 E-mail: info@omega-pharma.ie and in recent years has worked on a number of public awareness campaigns aimed at reducing the stigma associated with depression. We are delighted to support this innovative and uplifting new initiative.” As well as information on depression, www.leanonme. net features a downloadable leaflet, “How to Say lean on Me”, which provides information on how to begin a conversation about depression, and advice on supporting a friend who is affected by depression. The site also features a Friend Clip feature, which gives visitors the opportunity to star in their own ‘lean on Me’ video and share it with a friend. lean on Me is being supported with a comprehensive nationwide advertising campaign, including radio, outdoor, postcard and GP posters. Further information can be found on www.leanonme.net. Aware, the depression support organisation, is supporting the campaign and is urging anyone who needs help to call their helpline – 1890 302 302. when recovering from the flu you may not be getting all the vitamins and minerals you need to aid a speedy recovery metatone for use after illness, colds or flu, when feeling tired or run down and after loss of appetite metatone - just the tonic Licensed Medicine. Always read the leaflet. 31
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