It has been reported that there has been a fourfold increase in depression episodes within five years, and this rise has raised concerns among mental health professionals and policy makers alike.

This increase is indicative of the underlying issues people face in society, such as increased financial strain, social isolation, and poor healthcare accessibility. In the following sections, we will discuss the apparent reasons for this increase and the steps being taken to tackle this rising concern.

Reasons for Fourfold Increase in Depression Episodes

There are several factors that may have contributed to the rise of depression episodes:.

Increased Financial Strain – Mental health is intricately linked with economic prosperity. With the rise of unemployment and stagnation of income, the stress level of individuals has increased, leading to a rise in depression episodes.
Social Isolation – The advent of social media has been a double-edged sword. While it has made communication easier, it has also led to increased isolation, low self-esteem and feelings of loneliness, leading to increased rates of depression.
Poor Healthcare Accessibility – With the rising costs of healthcare, many individuals cannot afford proper treatment for their mental health issues. This lack of accessibility is only worsening depression rates.
Increased Competition – With the rise of globalisation, competition has increased. Individuals feel the pressure to perform and match up to societal standards, leading to anxiety and depression.

The Consequences of Depression Episodes

The consequences of depression episodes can be long-lasting and detrimental to both the individual and society at large.

Increased Healthcare Costs – Depression episodes can lead to higher healthcare costs due to the need for treatment and medication.
Lower Productivity – Employees who struggle with depression episodes may have lower productivity levels, leading to a lower economic output overall.
Increased Suicide Rates – Depression episodes have been linked to an increased suicide rate. The loss of life affects not only the individual and their loved ones but also the community at large.

Steps Being Taken to Tackle the Issue

Recognising the seriousness of the situation, various steps have been taken to address the issue of rising depression episodes:.

Increasing Mental Health Budgets – Governments have increased the mental health budget to tackle the issue of depression episodes and increase healthcare accessibility for all individuals.
Mental Health Awareness Campaigns – Mental health awareness campaigns, such as ‘Bell Let’s Talk’, have been launched to increase awareness of mental health issues and encourage individuals to seek help if needed.
Reducing Stigma – Efforts have been made to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health by emphasising acceptance, respect, and support for individuals with depression episodes.
Providing Support Systems – Both public and private organisations have instituted support systems, such as helplines, to assist depressed individuals and provide an emotional safety net.

Conclusion

The increase of depression episodes in recent years is a cause for concern. It is indicative of the underlying societal issues that people face, including financial strain, social isolation, and the lack of accessible healthcare.

These issues are going to require a concerted effort by governments, organisations, and individuals alike to tackle the problem. With the right measures, we can prevent this problem from worsening and provide support to those who need it.