This European day has existed since 2003. On this occasion, the Ministry of Solidarity and Health aims to strengthen the prevention and treatment of depression, as well as the support for individuals facing this illness.
Depression is a disease that affects all ages, from childhood to very late in life. It is not, as many misconceptions suggest, simply a weakness of the soul, laziness, or “letting oneself go.”
Today, this fairly common mental disorder is estimated by a Public Health France survey to have affected about 8% of the employed active population in France in 2017, having experienced a depressive episode in the past 12 months. There is a gender difference: women have depression twice as frequently as men (11% compared to 5%).
This pathology significantly impacts the personal, professional, and social lives of those affected, and represents a significant suicide rate in France (approximately 9,000 deaths per year).
Nevertheless, depression is an illness that can be prevented, treated, and supported. Therefore, one should not be afraid to discuss it and seek consultation.
There are many listening and guidance platforms, notably the association https://francedepression.fr, which is celebrating its 29th anniversary today.
