The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that more than 332 million people live with depression in the world.
In the Dominican Republic, the estimated prevalence is 4.7% (about 500,000 people), while in Latin America it reaches 12%, with an increase of more than 30% after the Covid-19 pandemic.
On the occasion of the commemoration every January 13, World Fight Day against the Depressionhe Ministry of Public Health developed the panel “Let’s talk about Depression: Recognize, Accompany and Treat”, where specialists addressed risk factors, warning signs, prevention and self-care.
During the event, the Minister Victor Atallah He said it is essential recognize the symptomssince the depression not always It is expressed with tears, and the affected person can appear to be extremely happy.
“The depression is not a temporary and passing sadness. It’s a deep feeling of disconnection and self-denial of the essential mechanisms that a person may have to deal with the problems of the day. We know it is more common in women than in men,” he explained.
“Every day with depression becomes a time bomb which can end in catastrophic situationsmany times not only for the people, but for the environment and the context in which they live,” he added.
More professionals
The official indicated that the Ministry of Public Healthnext to National Health Service (SNS), has strengthened the mental health networksincreasing the number of professionals and expanding the services available.
For him year 2025the country went from 925 to 1,100 psychologistsfrom 145 to 166 psychiatrists, and from 14 to 17 Intervention Units in Crisis.
However, he recognized the shortage of specialists in psychiatry, but he assured that he works in curriculum reviewtraining incentives and training programs supervised doctor, in coordination with specialized medical societies.
“The question is increase coverageinclude the mental health plans in everything that is Social Security and our plan is increase coverage of their medications through the protocols, include them in the basic program of essential medicines and ensure that they are covered,” he emphasized.
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For his part, the Vice Minister of Collective Health, Eladio Pérez, stressed that depression is not a weakness, but “a condition that can affect any person and whose prevention requires the commitment of the entire society.”
Meanwhile, the director of Mental HealthAlejandro Uribe, highlighted that this condition is among the three main causes of medical consultation, although it continues to be underestimated due to the social stigma.
