Key points
- 13 January marks World Depression Day.
- Depression is one of the most common mental disorders in the world.
- In Ukraine, the level of depression is higher than the global average.
- The main symptoms include depression, sleep disturbances and changes in appetite.
- Timely diagnosis and treatment are crucial.
On 13 January, the world and Ukraine celebrate World Depression Day, one of the most common mental disorders of our time. According to international studies, approximately 3.4% of people on the planet live with depression, which is about 264 million people in 2024.
Compared to previous generations, the number of cases of such disorders is increasing by 25% with each new generation of the population.
In Ukraine, the level of depression is much higher than the global average – about 6.3%, making it one of the leaders in this indicator. Depression also remains one of the leading causes of temporary disability and incapacity, surpassing a number of chronic diseases in these indicators.
Doctors identify a number of key symptoms of depression, including:
- prolonged depressed mood;
- loss of interest in life;
- changes in appetite;
- sleep disturbances;
- excessive fatigue;
- decreased concentration.
This condition can occur at different ages as a result of stress, serious life events, physical illness or difficult social circumstances, including the effects of war, forced migration and loss of familiar living conditions.
Depression takes many forms and has varying degrees of severity, so it is important to seek medical help in a timely manner.
