The Effect of Unemployment on Mental Health and Depression of Youth in Saran Chhapara Bihar

Abstract

Depression is a common mental health disorder marked by sadness, disinterest, guilt, low self-esteem, disrupted sleep or appetite, fatigue, and concentration difficulties. It can become chronic, severely impacting daily life, and in extreme cases, leads to suicide, claiming around 850,000 lives annually. Depression emerged as the leading cause of disability in terms of years lived with disability (YLDs) and was the fourth major contributor to global disease burden (DALYs) in 2000; it is expected to rank second by 2020. Affects all demographics, depression often surfaces between 15 and 30 years, with higher prevalence in women and seasonal variations. About 121 million people worldwide are affected, yet less than 25% receive treatment. Effective options like antidepressants and psychotherapy are underutilized due to resource shortages, lack of professionals, and stigma around mental health.