India: World's Most Depressed Nation


Bangalore: A healthy mind is a boon, and it can be only understood by those who suffer from an unquiet mind or a mind which needs professional attention. On the World Mental Health Day this year the World Federation for Mental Health has chosen depression as its theme. As per the survey more than 350 million people are affected by depression of all ages and men and women from all backgrounds. Despite effective treatment available for depression, less than half affected receive the treatment worldwide. As per the World Health Organization, on the world’s scale Indians are the most depressed.

Depression is categorized by the range of its episodes in three types- mild, moderate or severe. The study also revealed that around 9 percent of Indians are reported to have extended term of depression in their lifespan and 36 percent suffer from major depressive episode (MDE).

The MDE is described by sadness, feelings of guilt or low self-worth, disturbed sleep or appetite, loss of interest or pleasure, low energy and poor concentration in addition to feeling depressed.

Depression is ranked fourth as the foremost cause for disability worldwide by WHO.

Speculations have been made that by 2020, depression will be the second leading cause of world disability and by 2030 is expected to contribute to the largest disease bulk.