The World Health Organization (WHO) has identified depression as the leading cause of ill health and disability worldwide. According to the latest estimates from WHO, more than 300 million people are now living with depression, an increase of more than 18% between 2005 and 2015. Lack of support for people with mental disorders, coupled with a fear of stigma, prevent many from accessing the treatment they need to live healthy, productive lives.
The new estimates were released as part of the WHO’s year-long campaign “Depression: let’s talk,” an effort to get more people with depression, everywhere in the world, to both seek and get help.