Every year, the World Health Organization picks a new epidemic to focus on in honor of World Health Day. Last year the spotlight was on diabetes, and this year it's on depression — the widespread and frequently debilitating condition that effects people of all ages, races, and gender identities. Folks across Twitter are used the trending hashtag #WorldHealthDay to share their stories and experiences with depression, and to offer support to those who might need it.
According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, three to five percent of adults suffer from major depression, with 17 percent experiencing a depressive episode at least once in their lifetime. Despite the fact this affliction is so common, however, mental illness still carries a weighty stigma. There are a variety of ways to treat depression from therapy to biofeedback to medication, but recognizing your symptoms and admitting you need to get help is often the most difficult step when you're drowning in despair or paralyzed by fear.
Here are five ways Twitter raised awareness about depression for World Health Day:
