Depression common in all regions
WHO estimates suggest that depression is common in all regions of the world. A recent study supported by WHO revealed that around 5% of people in the community had depression during the last year.
Depression results from a complex interaction of social, psychological and biological factors. There is a relationship between depression and physical health, for example cardiovascular disease can lead to depression and vice versa. Up to one in five women who give birth experience post-partum depression.
In addition, circumstances such as economic pressures, unemployment, disasters, and conflict can also increase the risk of the disorder. At its worst, depression can lead to suicide. Tragically almost one million people commit suicide every year and a large proportion of them had experienced depression.