Rising stress, shrinking wellbeing, Ahmedabad faces surge in anxiety and depression

Following the COVID-19 pandemic, experts have notices a spike in the mental illnesses, as anxiety disorders have risen by 400% and depression cases have seen a spike of 300%. With that, the number of healthcare professionals in the field are also on the rise. Today, Gujarat has an estimated 511 practicing psychiatrists, with nearly 411 of them in Ahmedabad alone.

Sales of antidepressant medicines have risen from ₹63 crore to ₹85 crore in the state. 

It is estimated that around 10.6% of people are suffering from some form of mental illness. Psychiatrists note that this figure only represents those who come forward to seek treatment many more are likely suffering without even realising it. According to national surveys, the cases that actually reach specialists tend to be more severe.

In the last five years, due to COVID-19 and other economic challenges, the number of patients visiting mental health outpatient departments (OPDs) has doubled. These statistics also include neuropsychiatric cases. For instance, five years ago, mental health OPDs across Gujarat saw around 196 patients daily. By 2024, this number has jumped to 433.

In Ahmedabad alone with a population of nearly 8 million the number of patients with common mental health issues has doubled in just five years. On average, about 95 patients with anxiety disorders now visit OPDs daily. Constant work pressure, deadlines, everyday stress, and financial responsibilities push ordinary people into anxiety.

Depression cases, too, have seen a threefold increase. Five years ago, the average number of visible depression cases per day was 31, which has now risen to 95. Today, OPDs see nearly 300% more depression patients compared to the past.