Depression Uncovered
- Hannah Darnell
- Oct 2
- 3 min read
Updated: Nov 3
May 27, 2025
According to the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation organization, depression and anxiety were the most common mental health diagnoses across the life span and the world. In 2021, the mental health statistics were:
18,110 cases per 100,000 people State-Side
18,411 cases per 100,000 in Brazil
18,973 cases per 100,000 in Greenland
19,936 cases per 100,000 in Portugal
18,391 cases per 100,000 in Tunisia
18,062 cases per 100,000 in New Zealand
18,262 cases per 100,000 in Greece
19,846 cases per 100,000 in Iran
Why so many cases?
There are numerous causative factors of mental illness in our world. Childhood abuse, bullying, self-criticalness, and finances are just a few examples of mental health illnesses (IHME, 2021).
Finances are especially twofold; you are overwhelmed with a lack of finances to pay bills, and then you cannot afford the psychological assistance needed to cope with meeting this month’s rent. This stress becomes increasingly compounded, like interest. But, enough Math, there are immediate free contacts nationwide to talk you into a safer headspace, no matter what the circumstance.
Covid
Before the pandemic, depression and anxiety were no strangers among us. After COVID, there were documented 53 million cases of depression, and almost 80 million cases of anxiety. There are also potentially more cases that are undocumented, as those who suffer from depression and anxiety don’t feel comfortable discussing it (NAMI).
Letting Emotion Drive
Women were diagnosed with depression and anxiety illness about double that of men (IHME). Why? Worrying, loss of income, domestic abuse from Covid lockdowns, social isolation, and lastly, an increase in household duties. It’s difficult to breathe deeply when going through the proverbial “fire,” but taking a pause and recognizing that you can do this, just not alone, truly helps you visualize.
No matter if you’re a man or woman, an adolescent, don’t allow your pride to keep you wanting to hide. That’s the worst thing you can do. Fight those powerful, constant currents of heartache, anger, and fear by yelling out for help; so, someone may throw you a safety-air vest filled with opportunity and unlimited chances if you accept it.
Help
Sometimes, simply realizing you are not alone can make a HUGE difference in your perspective. If you are in a low state of mind, contact the suicide prevention hotline now. Call or text 988 for help in both English and Spanish. This line is confidential, to help your thoughts become less stormy. It’s amazing how having someone, anyone, to listen as you share your heart can unburden a great deal of baggage, and then you reset.
Silence Taunting Ignorant Groupings Mean Alienation
Today, we have come a long way from dehumanizing mental health issues, thankfully. However, there are still places where mental illnesses are kept silent. Both stateside and internationally, let’s continue to study, research, and educate those populations who are oblivious to Depression and Mental Illness.
How Exactly to Stop the Scarlet Letter of Labeling?
According to NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness), to help reduce stigma associated with mental illness, there are several things you can do to create an awareness platform. People who have a mental illness should be able to talk about their day-to-day struggles openly. Most of the time, ignorance is not bliss; usually, placing both feet in another person's shoes gives you a clearer glimpse of what someone is going through.
“I offer free hugs to people living outdoors and sit right there and talk with them about their lives. I do this in public and model compassion for others. Since so many of our homeless population are also struggling with mental illness, the simple act of showing affection can make their day but also remind passersby of something so easily forgotten: the humanity of those who are suffering.” ~Rachel Wagner~
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