iFred has chosen the sunflower to be the international symbol for the fight against the stigma associated with depression.  We believe by associating a positive symbol with depression, we are taking the first step towards a better image.  There were many reasons for choosing the sunflower:
 
DISCLAIMER
The materials listed in this section are designed to assist you in finding out more about depression. However, they should not be used as a substitute for medical advice, counseling or other health-related services. We are not able to monitor this web site for crisis messages or make referrals.

A recent study by Rutger’s, the State University of New Jersey, showed that flowers have an immediate positive impact on happiness (100% of time, both males and females), that they have a long-term positive effect on moods, and that they make intimate connections. The study also said sunflowers are said to enhance alertness, as yellow light waves stimulate the brain.

A recent study by Texas A&M also found that placing flowers and plants in offices led individuals to be more creative, better problem solvers, and more productive.

A sunflower is the color yellow, often associated with joy and happiness.

Sunflowers flourish with sun and light. Humans do as well.

Sunflowers and depression both have lifecycles.

Sunflowers grow from a small seed and can get bigger, as can a depressive episode when left untreated.

They require air, water, nutrients, space and light to grow and reproduce. People with depression have those same basic needs that are often not being met.

A sunflower has a stigma. Depression has a stigma. The stigma is the receptor of the pollen.  If it is not a positive stigma, the sunflower will not grow and become its beautiful flower.  That is the same with humans.  If the negative stigma on depression is continued and accepted as it is today, people will not seek treatment and become their full potential.

Sunflowers can be masculine or feminine, and they come in all shapes, colors, and sizes. So can people that experience depression.

A sunflower is not a flower but a flower head. Humans have heads, and therefore faces.  We want to change the way people think of depression, and the way people see faces of those dealing with depression.

Sunflowers have inspired the work of many artists.  Vincent van Gogh (1853-1890) had a famous painting “Vase with Fifteen Sunflowers." Vincent van Gogh suffered severe depression and committed suicide at the age of 37.

Sunflowers are valuable and have many uses. The whole seeds are used for cooking oil, bird food, and snacks. There seeds are rich in calcium plus eleven other minerals.