You probably know someone who has been more on edge lately, or you have felt that way yourself.
Many people put it down to a busy life and move on. New global figures suggest the trend is bigger than most of us realized.
Anxiety disorders rose by nearly 45 percent worldwide between 2019 and 2023, while depression climbed by roughly 20 percent.
The figures come from the World Health Organization, which released its latest Global Health Estimates on October 2.
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Together the two conditions wiped out an estimated 110 million years of healthy life in 2023 alone, through early death and years lived with disability. The report draws on national health data from WHO member states.
What is pushing the numbers up
The pandemic looms large. In the first year of COVID-19, global rates of anxiety and depression jumped by about 25 percent, WHO reported in 2022.
Social isolation, fear of infection, grief and money worries were cited as the main stressors.
Those pressures have not fully lifted. Economic insecurity, housing costs and job strain continue to weigh on households in many countries.
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Loneliness runs through the data as another driver. One in six people worldwide now feels lonely, and the WHO Commission on Social Connection estimated in June 2025 that loneliness is tied to about 100 deaths every hour.
People who feel lonely are roughly twice as likely to develop depression, the Commission found. They also face higher odds of anxiety and suicidal thoughts.
What tends to protect mental health
WHO points to a short list of levers that build resilience. Positive social interactions, strong community ties and decent work are near the top.
So is access to care when symptoms persist, which still falls short in most countries.
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Regular movement helps too. Welltica has previously covered research showing that how often you exercise matters more for mental health than how hard you push.
Consistent moderate activity is linked to lower rates of depression and anxiety.
For anyone whose low mood, worry or sleep problems have lasted several weeks, these are reasons to see a primary care doctor.
That is usually the first step to a diagnosis and a treatment plan.
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This article is made and published by Mie Hermansen, who may have used AI in the preparation.