The song is relevant far beyond any personal experience Morrissey has had of depression. The condition in modern life has already reached epidemic proportions and is all the time claiming more victims. Here is what the World Health Organisation has to say about the situation:
- Depression is the leading cause of disability as measured by YLDs and the 4th leading contributor to the global burden of disease (DALYs = Disbility Adjusted Life Years) in 2000. By the year 2020, depression is projected to reach 2nd place of the ranking of DALYs calcuated for all ages, both sexes. Today, depression is already the 2nd cause of DALYs in the age category 15-44 years for both sexes combined.
Depression occurs in persons of all genders, ages, and backgrounds.
Facts
• Depression is common, affecting about 121 million people worldwide.
• Depression is among the leading causes of disability worldwide.
• Depression can be reliably diagnosed and treated in primary care.
• Fewer than 25 % of those affected have access to effective treatments. -
From
http://www.who.int/mental_health/management/depression/definition/en/index.html
There is the sign of a healthy fighting spirit left in someone who can voice the new lyric; a claim despite the odds pressing in, for the sufficiency of selfdom. Morrissey is as always intelligently tackling subjects in the face of which others wilt.
