Almost 20,000 people live with depression in the Basque Country and 3,434 new cases have been diagnosed in 2025

Osakidetza diagnosed 3,424 people with depression during 2025, and although they were 12% less than the previous year, it has been shown that depression still has a significant presence in Basque society. Specifically, 20,000 people currently live in Álava, Bizkaia and Gipuzkoa in a depressive process or state, not forgetting many others who are not diagnosed and who do not appear in the records.

Today, January 13, World Depression Day, Osakidetza once again wanted to show its "commitment to helping those in need." 

Koldo Berganzo, Director of Health Care at Osakidetza, has stressed the importance of knowing the symptoms of depression  and, if these symptoms continue over time, of asking for help from professionals at the health center itself. "It is essential to be aware of the importance of mental health and its impact on our lives. Depression can be treated and asking for help is an important step. "

What are the most common symptoms?

Although the symptoms may vary depending on each person, a person with depression will probably become sad and eager to cry, anxiety, frustration, energy and lack of enthusiasm will also be evident, as well as a lack of interest in activities that were previously intended for enjoyment.

To think that there may be depression, some of these symptoms will have to be maintained for at least two weeks , most of the time, influencing the person's normal capacity and energy. 

The term depression includes mental disorders such as severe depression, distimia (less intense disorder, but with longer symptoms) and other depressive disorders.

It should not be forgotten that depression may manifest itself in different ways in the waythe person lives (childhood, youth, adulthood, pregnant or postpartum women...). 

In general, depression is considered a common mental disorder and affects a large percentage of the population. The prevalence is around 10 in the world, although the data is slightly lower in ours. There is also a serious disease, bipolar disorder, in which patients undergo depressive phases and require specialized treatment.

Serious complications and preventive measures

Osakidetza has recalled that oneof the most serious complications of depression is suicide attempts, so it is important to identify alarm signals: a person has or expresses ideas of death or suicide, shows aggressive or physical verbal behavior, is a major self-abandonment, extreme isolation, difficulties or sudden and very intense symptomatology.

They also recall that in certain cases it is possible to avoid a greater depression by means of specific measures among those with mild symptoms or risk factors, such as taking care of specific psychological therapies or living habits, physical activity, being socially active, attending courses and rest, as well as reducing as much as possible the consumption of alcohol and other addictive substances. 

How does Osakidetza help?

Osakidetza's mental health network , composed of 1,600 professionals and one in five psychiatry specialists, has a ratio of 15 psychiatrists per 100,000 inhabitants, the best in the state (Spain averages 9.27).

The Basque Country's Mental Health Network serves more than 500,000 consultations each year, with about 120,000 different patients "not only diagnosed with depression, but also with other pathologies such as severe anxiety disorders, psychotic disorders, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and addictions, both in adults and children and adolescents".

According to information published by Osakidetza, most episodes of depression are dealt with in primary care (about 55 per cent). When they do not respond to the treatment applied, they are referred to specialized care, usually through mental health centres.

These centres are integrated into the mental health networks of Álava, Bizkaia and Gipuzkoa, and the patient is treated by a multidisciplinary team consisting of psychiatrists, psychologists and mental health nurses, while the most serious cases may be referred to hospitals to detect or prevent the need for hospitalization. 

In addition, the Basque Government will shortly launch a pilot project for the integration of general psychology professionals into the primary care network with the aim of promoting emotional well-being.