A new charity which aims to tackle the stigma surrounding depression has been
launched in Scotland.

Depression Alliance Scotland (DAS) will also strive to raise the profile of the
condition
and provide support.

The charity said 300,000 people consulted their GP in Scotland last year with
depression.

The condition, which leads to intense feelings of sadness and despair, affects
one in
five people at some point in their lives.

DAS has estimated that 75% of cases are neither reported nor treated.

The message is simple - depression is in most cases treatable and sufferers can
greatly improve their quality of life
Cynthia Milligan
DAS

Adam Ingram, chairman of Holyrood's cross party group on mental health,
officially
launched the charity in Edinburgh.

The Scottish National Party MSP for the South of Scotland said: "I would like to
congratulate Depression Alliance Scotland in their endeavours to become a
national
organisation with charitable status.

"Depression is widespread in Scotland and their contribution to mental health
services
is an enormous support for those touched by mental illness."

DAS chairwoman Cynthia Milligan said she hoped the new charity would make a
difference.

"Depression is a misunderstood illness which can have a devastating effect on
those
suffering from it.

'Improved support'

"It is a tragedy that whilst depression is on the increase in Scotland many
people do
not seek treatment or support for fear of the stigma associated with both
depression
and mental health in general.

"The message is simple - depression is in most cases treatable and sufferers can
greatly improve their quality of life.

"We look forward to improving the level of support currently available for
people
affected by depression in Scotland."

Minister's pledge

Deputy Health Minister Tom McCabe said the Scottish Executive was aware of the
"devastating impact" depression could have.

He said the executive is committed to addressing mental health concerns and
recently
launched the Doing Well by People with Depression programme.

The minister added: "For many people depression is treatable and it's important
that
interventions and support are available to those with depression, their families
and
friends.

"As depression can affect anyone it's vital that people have organisations to
which
they can turn for help and support."

DAS has evolved from the UK charity Depression Alliance but will operate
independently.
Story from BBC NEWS:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/2/hi/uk_news/scotland/3172922.stm

Published: 2003/10/08 13:02:27 GMT