Out of the Maze
Severe depression is a consuming and debilitating condition that can feel inescapable, for both the person living with it and their caregiver(s). In the search for a path towards recovery, they both encounter twists, turns, and setbacks along the journey, making life feel like a maze from which it seems impossible to escape.
Caregivers, whether a family member, a significant other, a friend, or a colleague, can play a vital role in guiding someone through the maze of severe depression.123 No matter how hard it feels, with perseverance and the right support and information, they can show that recovery is possible.
Whether you are living with severe depression or are helping someone you know, discover Out of the Maze and learn how you can find a way out by working together.
Explore the Maze
To learn more, explore the maze of severe depression, and watch the experience come to life, visit Out of the Maze.
Plan Your Way Out of Depression
Everyone's route out of depression is different. Whether you're managing your own condition or want to help someone you care about, download our guide to get to get the most out of the support you receive.
The Little Book of Big Conversations
Open and honest conversations about depression are an important step towards ensuring that people get the support they need. However, we understand that starting these conversations can be daunting and knowing where to begin can be difficult.
That’s why we have worked in partnership with people living with depression and their loved ones, and our advocacy group partners GAMIAN-Europe and EUFAMI, to develop The Little Book of Big Conversations. This digital book is full of small pieces of practical advice to help make those big conversations about depression a little bit easier.
Depressive disorders are devastating diseases, affecting over 21 million people across EU countries.45 Major depressive disorder (MDD) is also projected to become the leading cause of disease burden globally by 2030.5
Sadly, these conditions are so common that it’s likely that you know people affected by them, or you may be living with depression yourself. Even so, it can still be difficult at times to understand the devastating impact illnesses like depression can have on our lives.
Breaking Depression aims to raise awareness of the challenges of living with different types of depression, including major depressive disorder (MDD). Breaking Depression has been initiated by Johnson & Johnson, with support from the Global Alliance of Mental Illness Advocacy Networks-Europe (GAMIAN-Europe) and the European Federation of Associations of Families of People with Mental Illness (EUFAMI).
Johnson & Johnson has a strong heritage in helping to reduce the burden, disability and devastation caused by mental health disorders and is committed to transforming individual lives.
From carers to healthcare professionals and people living with depression and MDD, we want to make sure we are all able to better care for ourselves and our loved ones.
By broadening our understanding of the different types of depression, such as MDD, we can all work together to help break depression for good.
40 million people in Europe live with a severe form of depression called major depressive disorder (MDD).67
Fear of stigma and discrimination can stop people living with depression from seeking the help they need.8 By taking the time to understand more about depression, including MDD, and talking with our loved ones about mental health, we can encourage more people to get the right support.
If we all started just one conversation, we could help break the stigma and silence and ultimately break depression for good.
Major depressive disorder
Depressive disorders are devastating diseases, affecting over 21 million people across EU countries.45 Major depressive disorder (MDD) is also projected to become the leading cause of disease burden globally by 2030.5 MDD can have potentially fatal consequences, particularly suicide, and is associated with an increased risk of mortality.5 Those who live with the condition can experience a loss of interest in normal activities and it has a profound impact on many aspects of their lives.9 Approximately one-third who suffer from MDD do not respond to treatment and are considered to have treatment resistant depression (TRD).10
MDD is one of the most burdensome illnesses, with significant negative impacts on activities of daily living, quality of life, cognitive function, employment status and work productivity.11 Nearly one-third of people living with MDD have been reported to develop TRD, meaning their depression has not responded to at least two consecutive, adequately dosed, antidepressants during the same depressive episode.10 While the majority of antidepressants are often effective in treating depressive symptomology, they can take weeks or months to achieve their full effect.12
Pledge to start one conversation today:
Inspiring stories
Severe depression can feel inescapable, like a complex maze, but no one has to face it alone. Through these personal stories, people living with depression and their loved ones share how understanding, connection, and support can help you find a way forward.
Hear Ana's story
Hear Falk's story
Hear Valentina & Giovanna's story
Hear Maria & Vittoria's story
Find support
GAMIAN-Europe
www.gamian.eu
The Global Alliance of Mental Illness Advocacy Networks-Europe (GAMIAN-Europe) is a patient-driven pan-European organisation that represents the interests of persons affected by mental illness and advocates for their rights.
If you are worried about your mental health, or someone else’s, visit GAMIAN-Europe for more information. In an emergency situation, get help immediately by calling the emergency services or your local mental health helpline.
EUFAMI
www.eufami.org
The European Federation of Associations of Families of People with Mental Illness (EUFAMI) is a carer-driven European, non-profit organisation that represents the family members of persons affected by mental ill health so that their rights and interests are recognised and protected.
If you are caring for someone living with a mental health disorder and would like additional support, you can find resources on the EUFAMI website.
Follow the conversation #BreakingDepression
Let’s work together to make a real difference.
Start one conversation about depression today and help one more person get the support they need.
