Although depression can be caused by many things including economic issues, but apparently studies show that rates of depression are higher in rich countries. There are approximately 121 million people worldwide suffering from depression.

According to a study published in the journal BMC Medicine, which compares the socio-economic conditions and depression, there are 121 million people worldwide suffering from depression, which can damage the quality of life by affecting the ability to work and relationships.

Severe depression can even lead someone to kill early and has been the cause of 850,000 deaths each year worldwide.

The results of complete interviews with more than 89,000 people in 18 countries revealed that 15 percent of people in high-income countries have experienced depression during their lifetime, compared with 11 percent of people in low-or middle-income countries.

High-income countries have a greater level of depression (28 percent vs. 20 percent) and especially high levels (more than 30 per cent) were found in the United States, France, Holland and India. China has the lowest levels of depression (12 percent).

Researchers also found that the average age at depression almost two years younger in low-income countries.

Women are twice as likely to suffer depression than men and the major factor is loss of a spouse through death, divorce or separation.

“We have shown that depression is a significant public health problem in all regions of the world and is strongly associated with social conditions. Understanding the patterns and causes of depression can help a global initiative to reduce the impact of depression on the lives of individuals and in reducing the burden on the community,” said Evelyn Bromet from the State University of New York at Stony Brook, as reported by Health.com.

The study, published July 25 in the journal BMC Medicine, was conducted by researchers at 20 centers associated with the World Health Organization (WHO) World Mental Health Survey Initiative.

Depressed people should be treated because if left untreated there is a lot of negative sequelae such as:
1. Physical health declined
2. Insomnia and fatigue
3. Weight loss or increased
4. Alcohol and drug addiction
5. Social withdrawal
6. Risk behaviors
7. Suicide

Apart from the dire consequences of untreated depression, more than 80 percent of people diagnosed with depression can be treated successfully with early detection, intervention and support. Family support and treatment can make a depressed person to resume normal life.