One in twenty workers, or 200,000 Irish people suffer from a depressive illness. A depressive illness is serious but can be treated. Depression disrupts work , family and social life.
Depression results in more days in bed than ulcers , diabetes , high blood pressure , or arthritis.
The estimated annual cost of depression to Ireland is 280 million. 170 million of that is due to lost time from work. A depressive illness is an overwhelming feeling which dulls thinking , mood and concentration. It saps energy ,interest in food , sex , work and everyday activities. Another common feature is disruption of sleep.