• Worldwide: The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that around 280 million people worldwide live with depression. This corresponds to approximately 3.8% of the total population.
• Germany: In representative surveys, roughly 8% to 12% of adults report having been affected by depression within a one-year period.
• Gender Difference: In almost all data collections, women are affected more frequently than men. However, it is suspected that men are affected equally but are less likely to actively seek help.
• A Matter of Survey Methodology: Health insurance data only records cases that have been medically diagnosed. Questionnaire screenings, such as the PHQ-9, often show higher numbers because they also capture undiagnosed cases.
• Underlying Factors: Potential causes lie in the after-effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, the intensive use of social media, social and economic factors, as well as traumatic childhood experiences.
• Standard of Care: The global standard for treating depression primarily includes psychotherapy and/or medical treatment with antidepressants. Additional treatment options consist of psychoeducational measures, online programs, self-help groups, sports therapy, and light therapy.

Are you wondering how many people in Germany have depression? The statistics become much clearer when they are broken down by measurement methodology and demographics.

• Representative surveys like the GEDA study (Health in Germany Today) by the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) have shown that around 9% of adults develop depression within a 12-month period.
• Reports from health insurance providers, such as the AOK Federal Association or Barmer, which evaluate medically coded diagnoses (ICD codes F32/F33) from billing data, show a similar frequency between 8% and 12% within a year—often with a slightly increasing trend in recent years.

Women

• 12-Month Frequency (Self-Reported Diagnosis): Around 12%
• Additional Finding: They are affected more frequently than men in almost all datasets. Reasons can be diverse, such as higher levels of stress or more frequent help-seeking behavior.

Men

• 12-Month Frequency (Self-Reported Diagnosis): Around 6%
• Additional Finding: They often seek help later or less frequently, which can lead to lower diagnosis rates.

Young Adults

• 12-Month Frequency (Self-Reported Diagnosis): Varies
• Additional Finding: They experience depressive symptoms more frequently.

Older Adults

• 12-Month Frequency (Self-Reported Diagnosis): Relatively stable
• Additional Finding: In old age, depressive symptoms are sometimes masked by physical complaints, making detection more difficult.

Are you wondering what global statistics reveal? International organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) provide estimates on these global figures.

• Global numbers (WHO 2019): The WHO estimated that around 280 million people worldwide were affected by depression in 2019, which corresponds to an overall prevalence of 3.8%.
• Adults overall: 5%
• Women: 6%
• Men: 4%

The Global Burden of Disease studies by the IHME arrive at comparable magnitudes, demonstrating that depression accounts for a very high share of the global burden of disease.

• Access to healthcare: In international comparisons, countries with good access to medical and psychotherapeutic care often show higher rates of depression diagnoses.
• Better detection: This is frequently an indication of better detection of the illness rather than necessarily "more illness."
• Undetected cases: Conversely, in countries with poorer healthcare access, many cases may remain completely undetected.

The number of depression diagnoses in Germany has increased in recent years, a trend that intensified during the pandemic. The rise of depression among young people is particularly pronounced. However, older adults also experienced a significant increase during the pandemic, which is linked to isolation and loneliness.

• COVID-19 pandemic: The pandemic and its associated restrictions contributed significantly to the increase.
• Social media: The intensive use of social media and digital devices is perceived by many young people as negative for their mental health, which can contribute to depression.
• Social and economic factors: Social and economic inequalities, wars, and the climate crisis are also cited as risk factors for mental health conditions.
• Trauma: Childhood experiences such as sexual abuse or bullying can increase the likelihood of developing depression.

You might be wondering: Why do I have this? It is important to know that depression almost never has just a single cause. Imagine it as a complex interplay of many interlocking gears: biological, psychological, and social factors that influence one another.

• Your predisposition plays a role: If depression is common in your family, your risk may be increased. However, this is never the sole deciding factor.
• Life stressors can push things over the edge: These include prolonged stress, severe traumatic experiences, feelings of loneliness, or heavy blows of fate.
• Your body and habits contribute as well: Sleep issues, excessive consumption of alcohol or substances, as well as severe physical illnesses (such as chronic pain or heart problems) can favor the development of depression.
• Protection and strength: Fortunately, there are also factors that can protect and strengthen you. These include stable relationships, getting enough exercise, good sleep, and the awareness that you can access help early on.

The good news is: depression is highly treatable! The path to recovery is always decided together with you and your doctor. The treatment depends on the severity of your condition and, most importantly, on which path you prefer.

Proven, scientifically sound options include:

• Psychotherapy: In sessions with a therapist, you learn new ways to manage thoughts and feelings (e.g., through Cognitive Behavioral Therapy).
• Medication: Antidepressants (such as SSRIs or SNRIs) can help restore the chemical balance in the brain.
• Combination: Often, a combination of psychotherapy and medication is the most effective approach.

Everyday habits provide additional support: regular exercise, good sleep hygiene, and the support of your social circle are vital building blocks.

deprexis is an online intervention listed as a Digital Health Application (DiGA) that can offer you additional support. It is based on the principles of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), can be prescribed by a doctor, and is reimbursed by your health insurance.

Important: A DiGA never replaces face-to-face psychotherapy, but it can bridge waiting times or serve as a companion support tool.