Every year the The World Health Organization picks a health theme for the year. On April 7, 2017, the theme is kicked off and this year the focus is depression. 350 million around the world have depression, yet less than 50% are receiving treatment.
Let´s talk. It´s time to open up the dialogue and focus on the bright spot so we can close the treatment gap and get people the support they need. It is time to let the world know: Depression is treatable.
Thank you, in advance, for making this year one to remember. Thank you for inspiring those you know to seek treatment. For honoring those that we have lost, and for celebrating those that have fought through their pain and anguish to make it here today. Thank you for helping create a global movement, a place where those with depression not just survive, but thrive.
The more we share a common message, the easier it is to be heard. That is why we use the sunflower as the global symbol for depression. We must rebrand the disease to end stigma, just as we did for breast cancer and heart disease. So we are asking, no matter what your mission, or what your message, to incorporate sunflowers as a symbol for hope; depression once successfully treated. Plant one, plant a garden, paint sunflowers, and/or get your friends and community involved.
Incorporate the sunflower
And inspire the world with hope
We are so grateful to our partners around the world for making this event special in their communities. If you would like to become a partner, e-mail partners@ifred.org. Thanks for helping us shine a positive light on depression.
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E-mail us at hope@ifred.org to get involved or fill out the form above. We welcome any and all suggestions on how to make this day amazing. We ask you as an individual, or your organization, to join us in the collective effort to bring depression out of the darkness and into the light.