Industry Overview - Depression has become a global public health issue, with an estimated 280 million people worldwide suffering from the condition, accounting for 3.8% of the global population [13] - In China, the number of depression patients has exceeded 95 million, with a lifetime prevalence rate of 6.8% [13] - Depression is the second leading cause of global disease burden, following cardiovascular diseases [15] Key Challenges - Stigma and social discrimination against mental illness hinder patients from seeking and receiving adequate treatment [22] - China faces a severe shortage and uneven distribution of mental health resources, with only 3.64 psychiatrists per 100,000 population, significantly lower than high-income countries [25] - Primary healthcare workers lack mental health training, and the quality of psychological counselors varies widely [27] - China lacks a comprehensive mental health social support system, with issues such as lack of industry standards, insufficient professional talent, and unequal access to services [28] Potential Solutions - Transition to universally accessible mental health services requires establishing well-functioning mental health systems and services, strengthening interdepartmental collaboration, and promoting community-based mental health services [30][32][34] - Emphasizing mental health during childhood and adolescence, as well as in the workplace, is crucial for preventing and managing depression [33][34] - Involving individuals with lived experience of mental illness in service provision and policy-making can enhance the effectiveness of mental health interventions [35] Lifecycle Approach - Perinatal interventions, such as integrating mental health care with obstetric services and addressing gender inequality, can prevent postpartum depression [40] - School-based interventions, including anti-bullying programs and mental health education, are effective in reducing depression risk among children and adolescents [41] - Workplace mental health initiatives and lifestyle interventions, such as smoking cessation and physical activity promotion, can lower depression risk in adults [44] - Community-based strategies to reduce social isolation and loneliness are cost-effective in preventing depression among the elderly [45]