Responding to the Australian experience of depression

Depression is a major public health issue in Australia.1 Although more than 800 000 Australians experience depression each year, less than 40% of affected individuals present for care and fewer than one in six receive an evidence-based treatment.1 Most people with depression experience significant disability (reduced productivity on "seven of the past 28 days"2) and those who present for care are likely to have relapsing or chronic disorders.3 The current health burden of depression, and the projected future impact on our society, prompted the Federal and Victorian governments to develop beyondblue: the national depression initiative.4 The initiative has bipartisan political support and has grown to include active participation by other States and Territories and the development of partnerships with a range of non-government and community-based organisations.5