[World Health Organization has classified depression as among the deadly Killers around the world with Third World Countries being casualties. Photo/dailymirror.com]
At least 800,000 people die annually of depression related conditions according to the latest World Health Organization (WHO) report.
So far more than 300 million people across the world, an equivalent of 4.3 percent of the total world population, are victims of the condition, the report says.
In Kenya more than 1.9 million people are faced with the condition.
Nigeria is grappling with over 7 million, the highest in the continent closely followed by Democratic Republic of Congo and South African at 2.8 million and 2.4 million respectfully.
“The total estimated number of people living with depression increased by 18.4percent between 2005-2015, this reflects the overall growth of the global population as well as a proportionate increase in the age group at which depression is prevalent,” read a section of the report. It also showed that the number of persons with common mental disorders globally is also going up, especially in lower income countries.
Other factors include physical illness, life events such as death of a loved one and drug abuse.
WHO said that the total number of people living with anxiety disorders is 264 million people globally.“Western pacific region tops with over 60 million people affected by anxiety disorder then South East Asia with 57 million people. Africa is not hugely affected as only 25 million are affected,” said the report dubbed as Depression and Other Common Disorders, Global Health Estimates, released Thursdaynight.
According to WHO depression is the largest contributor to global disability and suicide deaths.