Chances are you know someone who is depressed – in a recent survey* conducted in Ireland, more than one in seven people said that they had received a diagnosis of depression at some point in their life. However, a person suffering from depression may feel too scared, ashamed or overwhelmed to tell their family and friends.
Three in four (75%) respondents who had experienced depression said they withdrew from family and friends while they were affected.
Over half of those affected by depression (55%) did not tell their friends or family. The main reasons for not telling their family and friends about their depression, mentioned by 57%, was because they didn't want to burden them with their problems; more than one in four (29%) didn't know how to tell them, and a similar amount (28%) said that they felt too scared, ashamed or overwhelmed. Almost one in five (18%) thought they wouldn't be understood and more than one in four (27%) felt that their friends wouldn't be able to help them.
Lean on Me wants to change that. The understanding and support of friends and family makes a big difference in helping someone with depression on the road to recovery. The World Health Organization says "psychological support from family, friends, or health providers is powerfully protective" in depression. Lean on Me is here to encourage understanding and support those with depression – and to show how you can be a friend to lean on.
Depression is a misunderstood condition
Depression is a complicated condition that is sometimes misunderstood. A certain stigma – fear or prejudice – has been created around it. For example, some people may view depression as a sign of weakness or something that can be 'willed' away. They do not realise that it is a real condition that can be treated. Unfortunately, these false beliefs and attitudes often prevent people with depression from admitting their problems, because they are afraid of what others will say or think. They may also worry about the consequences of a diagnosis of depression on their employment or insurance. This can leave people feeling lonely and isolated. It may also make them reluctant to ask for medical help, or to continue on their recommended treatment. All these effects combine to worsen the condition of a person with depression, when they could be benefitting from helpful care and treatment.
But you can make a difference. Pledge to be a friend to lean on, let your friends know you care and are there for them, no matter what. Click here to see how you can get involved in the campaign.
Lean on Me is supported by the European Depression Association and is sponsored by an unrestricted grant from Lundbeck.
* The pan-European Lean on Me survey was conducted by market research agency Ipsos MORI among a demographically representative sample of 7122 members of the general public in Belgium, France, Germany, the Republic of Ireland, Italy, Spain and Great Britain in July/August 2010. Respondents were aged 16-64 years. The Irish sample included feedback from 1009 respondents. Results have been weighted to the known population in each respective market.
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