The Definition of Depression
The World Health Organisation defines depression as “a common mental disorder, characterised by sadness, loss of interest or pleasure, feelings of guilt or low self-worth, disturbed sleep or appetite, feelings of tiredness and poor concentration”.
Here is the real truth about depression and suicide.
- 800,000+ deaths take place worldwide each year to suicide. Indications are that 20 times more people attempt suicide. These figures don’t even include people that are suffering from depression or suicidal thoughts.
- Suicide is the Second Leading cause of death among 15 – 29-year-olds
- Males commit suicide more than females by 1.7 : 1.0. There were 486 deaths by suicide in Ireland during 2014.
- During 2016 in Ireland alone, 1 in every 131 girls between the ages of 15-19, and 1 in every 194 males presented to a hospital as a consequence of self-harm.
- Mental Illness is an epidemic among teenagers today, affecting an estimated 20% of all 13 – 20 year-olds.
- 75% of mental health problems start before the age of 24.
- In any two-week period, 1 in every 20 people are contemplating suicide. So as a result of this statistic alone; in your business, family, school or community – how many people around you are contemplating suicide right now?
Reference: The Truth About Depression
