This is a difficult question to answer because there is no single measure of depression. Different countries have different perspectives of what depression is and what factors contribute to it. Additionally, depression often impacts people in different ways and can be difficult to quantify accurately.
That said, some countries have consistently had higher rates of depression than others, based on surveys and research. A good source for this type of information is the World Health Organisation (WHO). According to their statistics for 2020, the five countries with the highest prevalence of depression are:
- India - 15.5%
- China - 10.4%
- United States - 10.2%
- Indonesia - 10.1%
- Russia - 9.3%
The specific country with the highest rates of depression in 2021 is difficult to say, and could possibly change as the year progresses. It is worth noting that India and the United States, which have consistently had some of the highest depression rates, both experienced a large increase in depression in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Also, the countries with the highest levels of depression in 2021 may not be the same as the countries with the highest levels of anxiety, which is another important mental health issue. Anxiety is becoming increasingly prevalent in many countries as a result of growing economic and social pressures. A good resource for more information on this topic is the World Mental Health Survey (WMHS).
Ultimately, this is a difficult question to answer due to the complexity of mental health and the varying nature of depression in different countries. Even if we are able to identify which country currently has the highest rate of depression, it is important to remember that the situation is constantly changing and that anyone, regardless of location, can suffer from depression and anxiety. If you or someone you know is experiencing mental health difficulties, please seek professional help.