There Isn't Enough Time to Be Unhappy
Depression: an illness that can affect anyone, and one people recover from
Depression is not a sign of a weak mind. It is an illness that can affect anyone, and one that gets better with treatment. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), about 5.2% of adults worldwide, or roughly 322 million people, were living with depression in 2023. In Korea, more than 1.1 million people received treatment for depression in 2024.
"I've been feeling a bit down lately." We hear it, and say it, several times a day. On Monday mornings, on rainy days, on afternoons when nothing goes right. "Depressed" has become an everyday word.
But is the "depressed" we say every day the same as depression the illness? Today we take a closer look at depression, so that none of us spends time that should be spent being happy simply holding on alone.
What depression is
According to the WHO, depression (depressive disorder) is an illness in which a depressed mood or a loss of interest and pleasure lasts most of the day, nearly every day, for at least two weeks.
Everyone has sad days. If the feeling lifts after a few days, it is a passing low. Depression is the name for that state when it lasts more than two weeks and starts to disrupt daily life: work, study and relationships.
The WHO lists these other signs of depression:
- Difficulty concentrating
- Excessive guilt, or feeling worthless
- Feeling hopeless about the future
- Sleeping far too little or far too much
- Noticeable changes in appetite or weight
- Low energy and tiring easily
- Thoughts of death or suicide
If several of these last more than two weeks, it is time to talk to a professional rather than judge it alone.
Depression in numbers
Depression is on the rise, both worldwide and in Korea.
Worldwide — According to the WHO, about 5.2% of adults worldwide, or 322 million people, were living with depression in 2023. Women (6.2%) are affected about 1.5 times as often as men (4.1%). A WHO release from 2022 also found that the global prevalence of anxiety and depression rose by 25% in the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Korea — According to National Health Insurance Service data released in September 2025 by Rep. Seo Mi-hwa's office, the number of people treated for depression has risen every year, passing one million for the first time in 2022.
The same data shows that 67.2% of those treated in 2024 were women, and that since 2020 the number rose by 83.5% among teenagers and 69.7% among people in their 30s. These figures count people who received treatment. They may reflect more people living with depression, but they may also mean more people are asking for help than before.
How people get better
Depression is a treatable illness. According to the WHO, psychological treatment is the first line of care, and medication can be added for moderate or severe depression.
1. Professional treatment
- Psychological treatment — cognitive behavioural therapy, interpersonal therapy, behavioural activation and more. It looks at patterns of thinking and behaviour together with you
- Medication — a doctor prescribes antidepressants after assessing your condition. The WHO notes that medication is not always needed for mild depression
- If you don't know where to start, a psychiatrist or your local community mental health centre is a good first step
2. What you can do day to day
These are the self-care steps the WHO recommends. They don't replace treatment, but they support recovery.
- Keep doing things you used to enjoy, even a little
- Stay in touch with family and friends
- Move your body regularly
- Keep regular eating and sleeping times
- Cut down on or avoid alcohol
- Talk to someone you trust
3. What the people around you can do
- Listen first, before giving advice
- Instead of "Cheer up" or "It's all in your mind," try "That sounds really hard"
- Offer to go with them to a doctor or counsellor
Where to get help
If it feels too hard to hold on alone, there are people you can reach right now. According to Korea's Ministry of Health and Welfare, a call to the mental health crisis line 1577-0199 connects you to the nearest community mental health centre, with a regional centre taking calls at night and on holidays.
In Korea
- Suicide prevention line: 109 — When you have thoughts of ending your life. 24-hour professional counselling
- Mental health crisis line: 1577-0199 — When you feel you are falling apart. Connects to a local mental health centre
- Health and Welfare Call Center: 129 — When you don't know where to turn
- Madeullaen (마들랜): Online — When a phone call feels like too much. Text and social media counselling
Outside Korea, please contact your country's crisis line or emergency number.
Closing
As "I'm feeling down" becomes something we say more often, we hope more people will take the time to listen to it, whether it is your own heart or the heart of someone beside you.
Wishing you happiness today, too. Thank you for reading.
This article provides general information and does not replace a medical diagnosis.