Depression affects nearly half of Kiwis 

Source: ONE News

Nearly half of all Kiwis have in some way been affected by mental illness, recent research shows.

Depression affects 1 in 6 New Zealanders in their lifetime. The World Health Organisation predicting that by 2020 depression will be the second major health issue worldwide, following cardiovascular disease.

"It is important to remember though, that most people can and do recover from depression when they get help, and the earlier the better," says Judi Clements, chief executive of the Mental Health Foundation of NZ.

"It doesn't necessarily need to be clinical help, support from family and friends can make all the difference."

Five hundred men and women were interviewed as part of the study, with 48% saying they had personally experienced mental illness or that someone they knew had.

Psychiatrist Dr David Codyre says depression is highly treatable but if not addressed can have devastating consequences.

Codyre says men tend to be late 'help-seekers' in the face of evolving health problems, including mental health issues.

"In part, it is the general male tendency to ignore their health, the 'macho' tough it out thing, and also the fear of being seen as weak. For depression in particular the problem is that many men don't have a good understanding of what it actually is," says Codyre.

Signs of depression can include feelings of sadness that don't go away, and losing interest and pleasure in usual activities. Irritable mood can also be the main obvious change, particularly in men.

Excessive anxiety, agitation or worry, changes in energy levels, eating or sleeping patterns, feeling worthless or hopeless and suicidal thoughts are also common symptoms.

"If a person is experiencing any of these things for more than two weeks, it could be a sign of depression and they should get assistance," says Codyre.

The independent study was commissioned by Movember.

Money raised by Movember will be donated to the Mental Health Foundation of NZ and to the Cancer Society of New Zealand in support of prostate cancer.

For more information about depression visit here