Depression in Lower Saxony: record numbers and regional differences!

Depression in Lower Saxony: record numbers and regional differences!

In Lower Saxony, the focus is on an alarming trend, because the number of people who have to be treated based on depression grows continuously. A current analysis of the AOK scientific institute (Wido) shows that the Situation continued to intensify in 2022: Around 860,000 people were confronted with this mental illness, which corresponds to a share of almost 12 percent of the population.

dr. Jürgen Peter, the CEO of the AOK Lower Saxony, emphasizes that the diagnosis of depression is no longer taboo, but it is still important to raise awareness of this topic. "More and more people in the country are diagnosed with depression. In the meantime, almost 12 percent of the population are affected, a new high," he emphasizes and demands more support for those affected and their relatives.

regional differences in distribution

Particular attention should be paid to the regional differences in the depression rates. Salzgitter leads the ranking in Lower Saxony with a terrifyingly high rate of 14.8 percent. The rates are also significant around Salzgitter: Helmstedt follows with 13.16 percent, Goslar with 12.96 percent, and Gifhorn with 11.53 percent. With 10.85 percent, the city of Braunschweig is also among the regions with higher values. In contrast, Wolksburg and Wolfenbüttel report the lowest values with 9.9 % and 10.15 %.

These inequalities raise questions and illustrate that specific health strategies and resources are urgently needed to meet the needs of the cities concerned.

age and gender: who is affected?

Another aspect that results from the data is the gender distribution of depression. Women are affected in all age groups more often than men. Alarming numbers are particularly evident in the age group of 60- to 64-year-olds, where almost every fifth woman and almost every seventh man report psychological problems. While the figures in the age group between 65 and 74 decreases slightly, the concern in the higher age groups is sometimes drastically increasing. Women between 80 and 84 years of age achieve a state of 25.2 percent, while men in the age group from the age of 90 are also severely affected by 15.5 percent.

AOK boss Dr. Peter explains: "During the clinical picture of depression, a certain horror has already taken place and the number of unreported cases has dropped - but we still need acceptance, openness and courage in dealing with it." The health atlas should help to close knowledge gaps in the subject of depression and to reduce fear of contact.

The AOK Lower Saxony pursues a holistic approach to support that goes beyond medical care. Self -help groups represent a valuable resource that makes it easier for those affected to find access to support. In addition, the AOK also offers free online offers for mental health that are intended for both those affected and their relatives.

The comprehensive analysis of the situation was published on October 10 on the occasion of the upcoming “World Day of Mental Health”. Health Atlas Germany is available for download free of charge and offers valuable insights into the current situation on mental health in Lower Saxony. Further details and insights can be found in the report of regionalheute.de