News Release, 7 September 2007
In response to the publication of World Health Organisation research into depression in The Lancet, Kathryn Hill, Director of Mental Health Programmes at the Mental Health Foundation, said:
“We welcome the fact that an organisation as prestigious as the World Health Organisation is calling for more attention to be paid to the devastating impact depression can have. It is also right that as economies and cultures continue to integrate that depression and mental health in general are considered as urgent global issues.
In the UK alone, the cost to the economy of mental health problems is thought to be around £30 billion annually – when other social and health factors are included this approaches around £100 billion. Which is not to forget that this massive financial burden is made up of millions of personal tragedies – those suffering from mental health problems are more likely to be in debt, suffer from a physical health problem and be victims of discrimination.
What is frustrating is that effective treatments for common mental health problems do exist. It’s shocking that even in a relatively rich country such as the UK people find it hard to get access to many of these treatments, especially talking therapies. The WHO is right to compare depression with other long-term conditions. It’s time mental health was put at the same level of priority as physical health, both here in the UK and worldwide."
Ends
Notes to editors:
For more information, please contact Simon Loveland 020 7803 1130 or email sloveland@mhf.org.uk
The Mental Health Foundation uses research and practical projects to help people survive, recover from and prevent mental health problems. We work to influence policy, including government at the highest levels. And we use our knowledge to raise awareness and to help tackle the stigma attached to mental illness. We reach millions of people every year through our media work, information booklets and online services.
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