Depression, a complex pathology. In Italy over 3.5 million people suffer from depressive disorders and in recent years there has been a significant increase in diagnoses, with a 30% increase. The WHO has launched a global alarm, defining depression as the main cause of disability in the world and is expected to become the most widespread mental illness by 2030. But how aware are Italians of mental disorders? To answer this question, on the occasion of World Mental Health Day, the SWG research institute, with the support of Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine, carried out a survey that paints a contradictory picture of the perception and knowledge of depression in the our country.
Although more than half of those interviewed recognize it as a real illness, 3 out of 4 Italians still associate it with a temporary state, believing that ‘everyone feels depressed from time to time’. This misunderstanding often leads to underestimating the severity of the disorder. In fact, two out of three Italians think that it is enough to distract oneself and do something fun and engaging, while 67% believe that changing one’s lifestyle, eliminating possible triggering factors, is a solution to deal with depression.
The same gap between knowledge and action is highlighted when talking about symptoms. On the one hand, the declared knowledge of the symptoms of depression is very high: loss of interest in daily activities (86%), difficulties in social relationships (88%), low self-esteem (78%), problems related to sleep (81%), changes in appetite (77%), chronic fatigue (73%) and concentration difficulties (69%). On the other hand, however, 63% of people, suspecting the onset of the first symptoms, would prefer to wait a bit of time to understand if it is a passing phase. When faced with the doubt that someone is suffering from depression – we read in the report – only 1 in 2 people believe that they should turn to a psychologist or their GP, but still 35% of Italians believe that it is enough to turn to friends or family members.
“Many Italians – explains Felicia Giagnotti, president of Fondazione Progetto Itaca Ets – recognize the importance of dealing with mental illnesses and depression, the most widespread of these, through a therapeutic process. But unfortunately many avoid turning to a mental health specialist , for fear of social stigma. As an association, we therefore feel the urgency of raising public awareness and offering concrete support to those who fight against depression and other psychiatric illnesses on a daily basis, promoting correct information and adequate access to treatment commitment is aimed at offering greater support to patients and caregivers, so that they overcome the stigma and are not afraid to ask for help”.
“Although the research documents a good awareness regarding the various types of depression – underlines Andrea Fiorillo, full professor of Psychiatry at the University of Campania ‘L. Vanvitelli’ and president of the European Psychiatric Association, the European Society of Psychiatry – major depression it often remains underestimated, despite the devastating impact on the lives of those affected and their families. This condition manifests itself through persistent sadness, a loss of interest in daily activities and significant changes in sleep, appetite and energy levels. It can be accompanied by feelings of guilt, difficulty concentrating and suicidal thoughts. The causes of depression are multiple, and include genetic, biological factors (hormonal and chemical alterations) and environmental factors (for example trauma or stressful situations). Adequate therapeutic treatment therefore requires an integrated approach; furthermore, it is essential to promote early diagnoses and ensure timely access to the most effective and innovative treatments”.
There is unanimity on one thing: depression is scary. 79% of those interviewed say they are strongly afraid of depression, and 19% perceive it as a condition with no way out. Almost 90% also recognize the significant impact that the disease has on personal relationships, causing serious consequences in relationships, friendships, work dynamics and even school education. “The need to intensify education and awareness to correctly deal with this pathology and reduce the stigma surrounding it emerges even more from the SWG study – concludes Alessandra Baldini, Medical Affairs Director Johnson & Johnson Italy – 88% of those interviewed believe in fact, the term ‘depression’ is often used inappropriately, downplaying the seriousness of the disease. For us at J&J Innovative Medicine, ensuring fair and timely access to innovative treatments for patients suffering from major depression is an absolute priority continuous collaboration with institutions and patient associations to promote adequate information and ensure accessible and high-quality care for all”.
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