How Depression is Treated: A Global Perspective

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), depression accounts for 4% of all diagnosed illnesses in Russia. Numerous factors contribute to this, including a challenging economic situation, rising unemployment, and discrimination. Russia has one of the highest suicide rates in Europe per capita, and years of closed psychiatric data have led to a poorly developed educational base for new specialists. However, the problems in Russia are not unique. Mental health issues can affect anyone, regardless of where they were born or raised. The crucial factor is the support they receive to combat the illness. Here are some insights into how depression, panic attacks, and neuroses are treated in different countries:

Luxembourg

According to Business Insider, Luxembourg boasts the best healthcare system in the world, with an average life expectancy of 82 years. In terms of mental health, Luxembourg focuses on “Positive Education,” which teaches adolescents to identify their unique strengths. Unlike traditional methods that require students to conform to specific norms, this approach effectively prevents mental illnesses and enhances productivity among citizens.

Canada

Canada is often praised for its healthcare system, but there is still much work to be done in the realm of mental health. One in five Canadians suffers from a mental disorder, yet only 60% seek professional help due to fear of judgment. While obtaining medication prescriptions is relatively easy, the wait times for psychotherapy are endless. After receiving treatment, 35% of Canadians feel they did not get the care they needed.

China

Over 100 million Chinese people live with mental illnesses. The country struggles to provide effective and accessible treatment. Only 6% of those with mental health issues seek help, and many do not receive proper care due to unlicensed psychologists and forced examinations. Human Rights Watch considers this a blatant violation of medical ethics. In May 2013, China enacted its first mental health law, which includes 7 chapters and 85 articles on protecting individuals with mental disorders.

Argentina

In Argentina, visiting a psychologist is a common practice, unlike in other countries where mental health is often taboo. Buenos Aires has the highest number of psychologists per capita in the world. However, there are significant human rights violations. Some institutions force patients to live in unsanitary and unsafe conditions, failing to provide adequate psychiatric care.

Germany

Germany’s healthcare system is a leader in treating mental illnesses. Since the 1970s, the country has provided financial support, access to medical services, job search assistance, and awareness campaigns for affected citizens. Germany has even created a special program to help refugees become psychotherapeutic consultants, who can then assist new arrivals.

Australia

In Australia, half of the mortality statistics involve individuals with mental disorders, highlighting the importance of mental health. To reduce mortality rates, the government has introduced a new online psychiatric assistance program that offers therapy and psychotherapeutic tools on demand.

Indonesia

In March 2016, Human Rights Watch published a report titled “Living in Hell,” detailing the horrific and unsanitary conditions in which mentally ill Indonesians are kept. People with mental disorders are often confined to cells like animals. Families sometimes hide their mentally ill relatives to avoid such “treatment,” and human rights advocates in Indonesia have long fought for adequate laws.

South Africa

South Africa faces a genuine mental health crisis due to a lack of specialists and resources to support the mentally ill. Research shows that South Africans often turn to traditional healers for help with their mental health issues. Learn more about the challenges in Africa.

Norway

Norway is a leader in comprehensive mental health care, offering ample inpatient and outpatient resources, including psychiatric clinics with emergency departments. Since 2017, Norway has implemented a “Free Treatment Without Medication” program for individuals who do not want to take serious medications or wish to reduce their dosages.

Russia

Russia now has numerous crisis centers that provide free psychological assistance by phone, in person, or online. These centers address a wide range of issues, from academic difficulties and feelings of loneliness due to relocation to serious mental disorders. Emergency psychological assistance is available by calling 051 (or 8-495-051 from a mobile phone).