A study published in the Lancet found that the COVID-19 pandemic has led to a surge in anxiety and major depressive disorders across the world, particularly among women and young people. The study included 48 previously conducted studies from around the world, and pulled together their findings in an analysis of 204 countries and territories in 2020. This makes it one of the first global insight into the prevalence of depressive and anxiety disorders during the pandemic. Young people have suffered with school closures and the lack of social engagement, and many women have found themselves forced to bear the brunt of household work and facing an increased risk of domestic violence. The study found an estimated 28% increase in cases of major depressive disorder and a 26% increase in cases of anxiety. With how rapidly people are developing anxiety or depression during these periods of stress, it’s high time we destigmatize seeking mental health care, widening access to mental health care, and helping the people around us. Read the full article here.