The Global Picture
Depression can affect anyone.
Globally more than 300 million people of all ages suffer from depression (an increase of more than 18% between 2005 and 2015)
Depression is the leading cause of ill-health and disability worldwide.
More women are affected by depression than men.
At its worst, depression can lead to suicide.
Depression can be treated.
36% of Indians likely to suffer from major depression at some point in their lives
(Source: World Health Organisation)
What increases the risk of depression?
Lifestyle factors: poor sleep habits, excessive caffeine use
Environmental conditions: noise, extreme temperatures
Circadian system disruptions: shift work
Mental health disorders: depression, substance abuse
Medical disorders: hyperthyroidism, cardiovascular conditions, joint and low back pain
Neurological disorders: Parkinsons and Alzheimers disease
Other sleep disorders: obstructive sleep apnea, restless legs syndrome
Stress: interpersonal, occupational, financial
Medication use, side effects, and discontinuation
(Source: Assocham Survey 2015)
Suicide rate in India (2015)
15 suicides took place every hour
1,33, 623 people committed suicide
Maximum number of suicides were reported in Maharashtra (16,970) followed by Tamil Nadu (15,777) and West Bengal (14,602)
The suicide rates in the cities was (12.2) was higher than the all-India suicide rate (10.6)
Among 53 mega cities, Chennai (2,274), Bengaluru (1,855), Delhi city (1,553) and Mumbai (1,122) together reported almost 34.6% of the total suicides in cities.
Reasons for children below 18 years of age committing suicide:
Family problems (2,139 cases)
Failure in examination (1,360 cases)
Illness (904 cases)
The overall male: female ratio of suicide victims was 68:32.
Proportion of boys: girls suicide victims (below 18 years of age) was 47:53
(Source: National Crime Records Bureau)