Depression Rates Continue to Rise in the Last Decade
Statistics reveals that more than 4 percent of the global population are living with depression. Women, the youth and the elderly were found to be the most prone individuals to depression's disabling effects.
The World Health Organization revealed that the global population of people suffering from depression has risen to 4 percent, Huffington Post reports. Around 322 million people worldwide have suffered from depressive disorders in 2015 and have risen to 18.4 percent in the last decade. As global economic disorders exceed the $1 trillion mark, lost productivity due to lack of interest and energy and the inability to function at work and cope with life is being referred to as the reason behind this change.
According to Dr. Dan Chisholm from the World Health Organization's Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse, depressions is the top cause of disability in the world today. It is also 1.5 times more common among women compared to men. The report also includes a recorded date of 250 million individuals suffering from anxiety disorders, phobias, OCD behaviors, PTSD, and panic attacks.
Meanwhile, in a news posted at the Independent UK, several mental health illustrations depicting how mentally challenged people are coping with anxiety attacks were featured. This images gathered several positive comments and sympathies online thanking the artist for her works.
Spreading awareness about mental health issues and other anxiety disorders does not only help in informing people but also in encouraging individuals to come out and share their problems. Doing so removes the taboo from talking about mental health issues and helps in addressing the situation and the issue as soon as possible.
Mental illness cannot be conquered with strong will alone, according to the artist. Asking for help and talking about it is what makes a difference.
Depression-stricken demographics usually includes women, children and the elderly. They are also most commonly observed among low and middle-income countries. Countries that are affected by poverty, civil strife, conflicts and unemployment also have higher risks for anxiety disorders and depression.