Recently, several mental health-related issues have emerged in modern society. In particular, there are quite a few statistics that show that depression is rapidly worsening in people’s mental health in their 20s.
According to statistics from the Ministry of Health and Welfare, the number of people with depression exceeded one million in both 2021 and 2022. The number of young depression patients in their 20s has doubled from 99,796 in 2018 to 194,322 in 2022.
Additionally, statistics released by the National Health Insurance Service in 2021 show that depression patients in their 20s accounted for the largest number among all age groups, with 179,987 individuals. Experts point to job difficulties and economic crises as the main reasons for the surge in depression patients in their 20s. Regarding the cause, Kwon Jun-soo, a professor of neuropsychiatry at Seoul National University Hospital, said, “Those in their 20s are at the age of active social activities, but it is not easy these days,” adding, “As various problems such as economic issues and marriage concerns overlap, depression in their 20s increases rapidly.”
What should we do to relieve depression? First, the government is seriously concerned about the surge in depression patients and is working on several plans. Starting next year, the government plans to use health insurance to increase the frequency of mental health checkups from once every 10 years to once every two years.
At the personal level, individuals need to recognize and cope with depression first and seek the interest and support of those around them. Depression is a normal feeling, but you should suspect it if you experience symptoms like laziness, nervousness, and not knowing what to do. In addition, if your daily life is difficult due to negative thoughts, or if you become lethargic and have problems, you should see a specialist.
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