The World Health Organisation estimates that 264 milion people worldwide suffer from depression. (Key facts about depression - World Health Organization - 2020). 

Studies show that depression affects men and women of all ages, although women are more likely to be diagnosed with depression than men.

Depression is considered to be an illness in its own right, as it differs from normal mood fluctuations and short-lived emotional responses to the challenges of everyday life and leads the individual to a permanent state (of minor or acute intensity) of lack of stimulation, reduced energy, episodes of anxiety, sleep disturbances, difficulty in concentrating and other difficult-to-manage malaise. 

Especially when it lasts for a long time and with moderate or severe intensity, depression can become a serious health condition: it can cause the affected person to suffer a great deal with consequences for his or her ability to work, relationships with other people, at school and in the family.

Although there are known and effective treatments for mental disorders, between 76% and 85% of people in low- and middle-income countries do not receive any treatment for their disorder.  Barriers to effective treatment include lack of resources, lack of trained health workers and the social stigma associated with mental disorders. Another barrier to effective treatment is inaccurate assessment: in countries of all income levels, people who are depressed are often not diagnosed correctly, and others who do not have the disorder are too often misdiagnosed and treated with antidepressants.

In fact, people all over the world can fall into depression regardless of their socio-economic position or age. This is not exactly encouraging news, but scientists have shown that activities that stimulate concentration help combat mental disorders such as depression.

Sewing stimulates concentration, reduces stress and improves mood

Many studies indicate that sewing is good for both our mental and physical well-being.

Apart from the obvious practical benefits of sewing, such as having an up-to-date and tailored wardrobe, there is no doubt that sewing is also good for your health!

When we focus all our physical and mental resources on a sewing project, creative or tailoring, we achieve an inner awareness very close to the mindfulness of meditation and yoga. . As we work on our project and thread the needle of the sewing machine, baste a hem, iron the pleats of a new blouse, our mind stops worrying about everyday problems such as office stress or family conflicts and even if these problems do not go away, we do not let them plague us further and our mind finds a break, a rest from them, necessary to recharge and formulate solutions to deal with them.

That's why when we finish sewing a dress or finishing a crochet job we feel fulfilled.. Not only because we have a new dress to show off, but also because our mind is regenerated: hobbies that require mental concentration and manual coordination at the same time are simply good for our health and make us feel good!