Mental health is a complex state determined by multiple social, biological, psychological, and environmental factors; It includes conditions such as: depression, anxiety, epilepsy, phobia, dementia and schizophrenia, some of which have increased in recent times. In Mexico, 18% of the urban population of productive age (15-64 years) suffers from some mood disorder, such as: depression, anxiety, dementia or phobia.
Depression, the most disabling mood disorder
Depression is a common mood disorder characterized by the presence of sadness, loss of interest or pleasure, feelings of guilt or lack of self-esteem, sleep or appetite disorders, feelings of tiredness and lack of concentration.
“Depression is a serious health problem”
“More women than men suffer from depression. In its most severe form, depression can lead to suicide.
In Mexico, depression is a public health problem. It affects more than 15 out of every 100 inhabitants, since some people have never been diagnosed and live up to 15 years without knowing they have this condition. It ranks first in terms of disability for women and ninth for men. Depression has a high co-occurrence with other disorders such as anxiety and substance use, with significant economic and social costs.
“This mood disorder can become chronic, significantly impairing performance at work or school and the ability to cope with daily life. When it is moderate or severe, the patient will need medication and professional psychotherapy.”
In the face of COVID-19, depression has been exacerbated
As a result of the health contingency derived from the COVID-19 pandemic, we will face one of the largest mental health crises known in history.
“Factors such as confinement, the lack of personal coexistence with family and friends, fear and uncertainty, the loss of loved ones, employment and their own health, have led numerous families and people to financial and emotional catastrophe.”
In Mexico, according to the Follow-up Survey of the Effects of COVID-19 on the Well-being of Mexican Households (ENCOVID-19), 27.3% of people over 18 years of age have presented depressive symptoms and 32.4% severe symptoms of anxiety .
