Panel calls for prompt action to address human impact of depression in Canada

October 17, 2008

Media Release
After two days of hearings at a consensus development conference on depression in adults, a panel of experts led by the Hon. Michael Kirby, Chair, Mental Health Commission of Canada is recommending wide and immediate changes to how depression is viewed, prevented, diagnosed, and treated in Canada.

The panel of health professionals, academics, and public representatives called on federal and provincial governments to develop and promote policies to significantly impact the systems set up to help those with depression.

"Governments at all levels need to demonstrate leadership in developing and promoting policies that will create positive changes in the treatment system. They need to champion respect for the person with depression in the home, the workplace, and in the community," the panel concluded. "Depression must be recognized as the health priority it is and resourced accordingly. An investment by an informed and caring population is an investment in Canada's future."

Key panel recommendations include:

• Addressing stigma through a public awareness campaign about depression in language which will be understood by everyone

• Increasing mental health investments in the critical period of childhood and adolescence

• Developing a comprehensive framework for research in depression through a group of partners lead by the Mental Health Commission of Canada

• Including people with depression regardless of age in the decision-making regarding their own care

• Encouraging public and private employers to create mentally healthy work places and to improve support for employees with depression

• Changing the health system so that effective drug and psychotherapy are accessible to all people with depression and committing to training and funding health care providers

The Consensus Development Conference on Depression in Adults: How to Improve Prevention, Diagnosis and Treatment was hosted by the Institute of Health Economics, Alberta Health Services-Alberta Mental Health Board, and the Mental Health Commission of Canada, with support from the Alberta Depression Initiative.

For interviews, please contact:
Rhonda Lothammer
Institute of Health Economics
Cell: 780-935-0382
rlothammer@ihe.ca

For a copy of the panel's recommendations, download here

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