WHO: global economy loses about $1 trillion annually due to depression
On the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Director General of the World Health Organisation (WHO) Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus noted that every year the world economy loses about $1 trillion due to depression and anxiety disorders in people, TASS reports
As the WHO Chief said, investing in mental health is an investment in the future. Employers even have an economic interest in maintaining the mental health of workers, as 12 billion workdays are lost to depression and anxiety disorders, costing the global economy an estimated $1 trillion a year.
However, according to Ghebreyesus, investment in mental health is still very low. Statistically, on average, countries spend only 2 percent of their health budget for this purpose.
He also stressed that during the coronavirus pandemic, the number of reported facts of depression and anxiety in people has increased by more than 25 percent.
Ghebreyesus urged employers to take steps to support employees with mental disorders, e.g., respond to the emotional experiences of employees or adapt working conditions to their needs and capabilities.
