25 countries with the highest depression rate. A global issue that impacts individuals, families, and communities. Illustration by the Author
Depression affects more people than ever. According to the WHO, over 1 billion people worldwide live with depression or anxiety, and roughly 4% of the global population (~332 million) experience depression.
Countries with the highest rates include Greenland, Greece, Tunisia, Portugal, and Lithuania. In the U.S., depression affects 20% of teenagers and 9% of older adults, with women, people living alone, and those with disabilities more likely to use medication.
Depression affects not only individuals, but it also has negative impact on families, workplaces, and communities. Better mental health care, more support, and public awareness can help millions live better lives.
References:
World Population Review. (2025). Depression rates by country 2025. https://worldpopulationreview.com/country-rankings/depression-rates-by-country
Centres for Disease Control and Prevention. (2025, April 16). New reports highlight depression prevalence and medication use in the U.S. National Center for Health Statistics. https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/pressroom/releases/20250416.html
World Health Organization. (2025, September 2). Over a billion people living with mental health conditions; services require urgent scale-up. https://www.who.int/news/item/02-09-2025-over-a-billion-people-living-with-mental-health-conditions-services-require-urgent-scale-up
