Only 5% of Australians see depression as a major health problem
 July 4, 2004

A national study on depression suggests less than 5 per cent of Australians believe the illness is a major health problem.

The study finds many are unaware of the symptoms of depression.

Depression campaign group Beyond Blue questioned nearly 3,000 people in the study.

Just 3 per cent of those who took part think depression is a major health problem.

Beyond Blue says depression and anxiety account for most of the economic, social and personal costs of mental disorders in Australia.

But researcher Nicole Highet says most still view the illness as a weakness.