Depression in the EU: Methods for Effective Treatment

Statistics on Depression in the EU
Depression is a widespread mental health condition in the European Union (EU). Between 2013 and 2015, an average of 7% of adults (15 years and older) in the EU reported having experienced depression in the past year. In Flanders, this percentage was 6% in 2018, which is slightly below the EU average.

Age and Gender Statistics:
In the Netherlands, approximately 20% of adults aged 18 to 64 have experienced depression at some point in their lives, with women (24.3%) being affected more often than men (13.1%). Young adults, especially women aged 18 to 34, have the highest prevalence of depressive disorders.

Benefits for People with Depression in the EU

People suffering from depression can enjoy a range of benefits in the EU:

• Access to mental health care: Most Member States offer free or subsidised mental health care, including therapies and medication.
• Sick leave: In many countries, employees are entitled to sick leave for mental health conditions, including depression.
• The length of this leave varies from country to country and can range from a few weeks to months, depending on the severity of the condition and national legislation.

Length of Sick Leave for Depression
The length of sick leave for depression varies from country to country. In the Netherlands, for example, sick leave for depression can be up to 6 months or longer, depending on the recovery period and medical advice. Other countries, such as Belgium, have similar arrangements, but specific figures vary.

See also: Determinants of organized crime in post-Soviet republics

Difference Between Burnout and Depression
Burnout and depression are often confused, but they are different:

• Burnout is usually the result of long-term work stress and includes symptoms such as emotional exhaustion, decreased performance, and a sense of detachment from work.
• Depression, on the other hand, is a broader mood disorder that is not caused by work stress alone. It includes symptoms such as persistent sadness, loss of interest in daily activities, and can also involve physical symptoms.
• Burnout can lead to depressive symptoms, but not all burnout leads to clinical depression. It is essential to distinguish between the two conditions for effective treatment.

The average length of sick leave for depression in the EU varies considerably, depending on the severity of the condition and the specific circumstances of the employee. Several studies show that:

• Average Duration: The average length of sick leave due to depressive symptoms is around 8 months. However, this can vary greatly depending on individual factors and the severity of the depression.
• Specific Figures by Gender: One study found that women take an average of 213 days (median 201 days) and men 200 days (median 179 days) of sick leave due to depressive symptoms.
• Absence due to Depression: Depression accounts for a significant number of days of absence from work; on average, a period of absence due to depression lasts around 35.3 days, which is significantly longer than for other conditions.

These statistics highlight the importance of effective treatment and support for people suffering from depression, to facilitate their return to work.

Depression remains a significant problem across the EU, with variations in prevalence based on age and gender. Access to treatment and support is crucial for recovery. It is important to understand both burnout and depression in order to provide appropriate care for those suffering from these conditions.