Depression is Costing the Global Economy a ‘Profound’ $1 Trillion Per Year, Warns U.S. Surgeon General

As health officials continue to sound the alarm on the growing loneliness epidemic, U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy says the prevalence of depression is closely linked. Loneliness and social isolation increase the risk for mental health problems, including depression. About 280 million people—or 5% of adults globally—have depression, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

“The impact on the global economy of depression alone is around one trillion dollars each year. That’s profound,” U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy tells Fortune. Workplaces thrive when high importance is placed on fostering a supportive, inclusive environment that can combat rather than catalyze loneliness and mental health problems like depression. Read more from Fortune here.