8.99 Million People with Depression and Anxiety Disorders After COVID-19... 42% Surge Among Those in Their 20s

Women, Two-Thirds of All Patients
Assemblyman Baek Jong-heon: "The Ministry of Health and Welfare Must Take Action"

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of patients in their 20s receiving treatment for depression or anxiety disorders has surged by more than 40%. The photo is unrelated to specific expressions in the article. [Image source=Getty Images]

[Asia Economy Reporter Yoon Seul-gi] Over the past five years, the number of patients treated for depression or anxiety disorders has reached 9 million, with patients in their 20s increasing by more than 40% since the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to data received on the 4th from the Ministry of Health and Welfare by Baek Jong-heon, a member of the People Power Party (Health and Welfare Committee), the number of patients treated for depression and anxiety disorders from 2017 to last July was approximately 8.99 million.

In 2021, about 1.73 million patients visited hospitals for depression and anxiety disorders, a 14.2% increase compared to 2019 (about 1.51 million), before the COVID-19 pandemic.

By age group, the number of patients in their 20s increased significantly, surging 42.3% from about 200,000 in 2019 to about 280,000 in 2021. This was followed by those under 10 (33.5%), people in their 30s (24.9%), and teenagers (22.1%).

The number of patients was highest among the elderly aged 60 and over. Last year, the number of patients aged 60 and above with depression and anxiety disorders was about 617,600, ranking first, followed by those in their 20s (about 280,000), 50s (about 274,000), 40s (about 267,000), and 30s (about 249,000).

By gender, women accounted for about 5.77 million, representing 64.2% of the total. Female patients make up about two-thirds of all patients with depression and anxiety disorders.

Representative Baek stated, "Our people are living with feelings of depression and anxiety due to COVID-19, economic recession, intense college entrance exams and stress, and deepening social polarization," adding, "Especially among the younger generation who will lead this country, symptoms of depression and anxiety are causing great difficulties."

He continued, "In the current situation where 8.99 million people, about one-fifth of the entire population, have received treatment for depression and anxiety disorders over the past five years, the Ministry of Health and Welfare has not properly considered related measures," urging, "Mental health issues will become even more important after COVID-19, so the Ministry of Health and Welfare must step up now and prepare proper countermeasures."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.