Healthline: Why experts call depression a global health crisis
The World Health Organization reports that 5% of adults worldwide live with depression, but approximately 75% of people with depression do not get the treatment they need. Experts in the field say that depression is a global health crisis.
Maria Espinola, PsyD, assistant professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, told Healthline that depression is not simply feeling unhappy at times.
"Depression, on the other hand, is a serious mental health disorder that interferes with your daily functioning by affecting how you think, feel, and act,” she explained.
Espinola said depression was a major issue prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, but the pandemic has worsened the problem. She said to address the problem, it will be important to address areas including stigma, social determinants of health, trauma, income inequality, gender inequities and all forms of discrimination.
Featured photo courtesy of Unsplash.
Related Stories
Driven by curiosity, guided by care
May 14, 2026
Max Wilson, a University of Cincinnati College of Allied Health Sciences health sciences major on the pre-physician assistant track, found his path expanding beyond the classroom and into hands-on research focused on human performance and patient care.
Will a gas tax help lower prices at the pump?
May 14, 2026
WCPO recently reported on Kentucky and Indiana’s steps to combat surging gas prices, cutting and suspending state gas taxes, respectively. UC economist Michael Jones explained the impact on Cincinnati.
Is a colonoscopy painful?
May 13, 2026
The University of Cincinnati's Susan Kais, MD, assistant professor of clinical medicine in the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology in the College of Medicine and UC Health gastroenterologist, recently appeared on the ARC Cincinnati morning program on Local 12/WKRC-TV to answer common questions from viewers about colonoscopies and to dispel myths.