Depression is a recurring and long-lasting mental illness that can have a significant impact on social functioning and overall quality of life.(1-3) Major depressive disorder (MDD) is the most prevalent mental disorder globally, affecting 264 million individuals in 2017.(4) Given its tendency to recur, MDD can greatly disrupt daily activities, including social interactions and work productivity.(5)
Depression is a leading cause of disability worldwide, (4) particularly among individuals aged 10-49.(6) The number of disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) attributed to depressive symptoms has seen a substantial increase between 1990 and 2019, with a rise of 20.7% among those aged 10-24 and 53.2% among those aged 25-49.(6) Consequently, the economic burden of depression on countries is enormous.(7-9)
Recent trends reveal a rapid rise in the prevalence of depression, particularly among young people, (10) who are often less likely to seek treatment. Consequently, this increase translates into a growing number of young individuals with untreated depression.(11) The escalating incidence of depression in both young people and adults underscores the importance of preventing the onset of mental disorders. Investing in the development and implementation of viable preventive interventions for depression is crucial in reducing its occurrence and associated disability within the population.(12) Consequently, preventing depression has become a global priority in public health interventions.
