According to WFMH, mental health is crucial to good health and needs to be based on patient-centered health care. The WFMH believes that advocacy for mental health and stress to bring best information and practices on the most relevant issues to the forefront must continue.

While commenting on this year's theme, the World Health Organisation (WHO), depression affects more than 350 million people of all ages, in all communities, and is a significant contributor to the global burden of disease.

"Although there are known effective treatments for depression, access to treatment is a problem in most countries and in some countries fewer than 10% of those who need it receive such treatment," informed WHO, in a statement.

Mental disorders affect nearly 12 percent of the world’s population that requires sustained benefit from diagnosis and treatment of the illness. According to WHO, mental health is defined as a state of well-being in which people realize their own potential, can cope with normal life stresses, can work productively, and can contribute to their community.

"At its worst, depression can be a frightening, debilitating condition. Millions of people around the world live with depression. Many of these individuals and their families are afraid to talk about their struggles, and don’t know where to turn for help. However, depression is largely preventable and treatable. Recognizing depression and seeking help is the first and most critical towards recovery," maintains Health-India organisation.