300 million suffer from depression
Depression is a common disorder worldwide: WHO reports that 300 million people are affected globally.
More than 300 million people worldwide suffer from depression, according to the latest figures from the World Health Organization (WHO). The mental illness is very different from normal mood swings and short-term emotional reactions to everyday challenges. Especially when it is long-lasting and moderate to severe, depression can bring severe health effects. Affected individuals suffer severely from the illness and have difficulty functioning at school, at work, and in their personal lives.
In the worst case, depression can lead to suicide. Almost 800,000 people die of suicide every year. Among people between the ages of 15 and 29, suicide is even the second most common cause of death.
Inadequate access and incorrect diagnoses
While there are known, effective treatments for depression - less than half of those affected have access to them. In some countries, it's even less than 10%.
Barriers can be lack of money, lack of skilled workers, but also social stigma. In addition, there are incorrect diagnoses: In all countries, depressed individuals are often misdiagnosed - others who do not have depression are misdiagnosed as positive and mistakenly given antidepressants.
The burden of depression and other mental illnesses are increasing globally. A World Health Assembly resolution passed in May 2013 calls for a comprehensive, coordinated response to mental illness at the country level.
WHO priority
The World Health Organization (WHO) ranks depression as one of its highest priorities. With the Mental Health Gap Action Program (mhGAP). the WHO wants to close the gaps that exist in the treatment of mental, neorological and addiction-related illnesses worldwide. The idea is that non-specialized health professionals should also cover the needs. This should enable millions of people with such illnesses to lead normal lives.
