The Economist Events recently hosted a unique international event in London entitled 'The Global Crisis of Depression' to spark momentum for nations to address the serious neglect of mental health and depression in particular.
Mental ill-health shaves hundreds of billions of dollars from the world economy and yet in the OECD only 10% of people with clinical depression gain access to even minimal standard mental health care. The contrast with physical illnesses is stark. Physical illnesses like heart disease and cancer capture the lion’s share of direct health costs and impose only modest indirect costs, while mental illnesses receive minimal direct investments in care and result in substantial indirect costs which weaken society through widespread suffering and lost potential, as well reduced taxation and long-term welfare expenses.
The meeting was introduced by former Secretary-General of United Nations, Kofi Annan, and featured former Blair government communications leader, Alistair Campbell, who spoke compellingly about his personal experience of depression. It also included a range of other international leaders including Executive Director of Orygen, Professor Patrick McGorry AO.
Professor McGorry spoke about Australia’s innovative reforms in mental health care, notably primary care reforms including headspace and the critical nature of youth mental health. Youth mental health care focusing on the peak period for depression and mental ill-health represents an investment rather than a cost to society and is unique in health care in this respect. Most non-communicable diseases are costly and there is relatively little return on investment. Because of the timing of its impact in the life cycle, mental ill-health is a key exception.
The meeting was an inspirational forum of ideas and action involving mental health leaders, industry leaders and political leaders from many countries. There was a strong sense that the need for reform and greatly increased investment in mental health care has reached a tipping point and that Australia is well placed to lead and contribute.
The Economist Events - The Global Crisis of Depression