Depression: Facts You Must Know By Dr. Amresh Shrivastava

Depressive disorder is a global health concern that knows no boundaries, affecting people of all ages, genders, and socio-economic backgrounds. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), more than 264 million people worldwide were estimated to suffer from depression in 2020. This staggering prevalence underscores the urgent need for effective mental health interventions and public health strategies to combat this widespread condition. The epidemiology of depressive disorder exhibits regional variations, with higher prevalence rates reported in certain parts of the world. Studies have shown that depression rates are generally higher in high-income countries compared to low and middle-income countries. However, this trend is not uniform, and many low-resource regions are also witnessing an increasing burden of depression due to various socio-economic and environmental factors.