Youth Depression Rates Surge by 30% Over Five Years

A recent study reveals a significant increase in depression among young people, with the pandemic marking a notable rise.

The Barmer Institute for Health System Research reports 409,000 young people aged 5 to 24 were affected by depression last year.
The number of cases increased from 316,000 in 2018, marking a 30% rise over five years.
The largest annual increase occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic, with cases jumping from 327,000 in 2020 to 383,000 in 2021.
Girls and young women experienced a 38% increase in depression cases, from 204,000 in 2018 to 283,000 in 2023.
Boys and young men saw a 14% rise in cases, increasing from 112,000 to 127,000 over the same period.