Anxiety and Depression Surge: Experts Reveal Causes and Solutions

Mental Health Crisis Escalates, Paralyzing Lives

Persistent anxieties and debilitating depressive states are increasingly afflicting individuals, rendering them unable to function. Leading Czech psychiatrist and psychotherapist Ján Praško shared insights into these growing psychological challenges and potential remedies.

Rising Tide of Mental Health Issues

Ján Praško, a distinguished figure in Czech psychiatry and psychotherapy, noted a dramatic uptick in anxiety and depression cases, rivaled only by addiction issues. He explained that these conditions often intertwine, creating complex challenges for those affected.

“More people are treated with anxiety and depression than ever. We are worse off with addictions. But often everything goes hand in hand.”

—Ján Praško, Leading Czech psychiatrist and psychotherapist

The sheer scale of the problem is staggering, with approximately 700,000 individuals in the Czech Republic potentially affected. However, Praško highlighted that many do not seek or receive the necessary professional support. Statistics indicate that up to 27% of people may experience a clinically significant anxiety disorder during their lifetime, often a chronic condition, while depressive disorders affect around 16-17%.

Contributing factors extend beyond the constant influx of negative news from social media and other outlets. Praško pointed to the erosion of fundamental human connections and the resulting lack of safety, acceptance, and appreciation as significant drivers.

“Such a common contact that one needs is lost. And there is safety, acceptance, appreciation… All those things that are the basic human needs as if they were not fulfilled enough. People alienate themselves.”

—Ján Praško

Online Therapies Offer New Hope

While societal stigma surrounding mental health has diminished, accessing professional help remains a hurdle for many. Praško suggested that online therapies could offer a partial solution, particularly for mild to moderate conditions.

“In the Western world today, therapeutic online programs are very effective in light to moderate disorders or depression. They are available but do not replace psychiatrist.”

—Ján Praško

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is identified as a highly effective treatment. Praško noted its superiority over medication for anxiety disorders, emphasizing that learned behaviors, including anxiety, can be unlearned through targeted therapeutic intervention.

In some cases, significant improvement can be observed after as few as 12 therapy sessions, according to **Praško**. Innovative approaches, such as light therapy that mimics natural daily cycles to restore circadian rhythms, are also being employed at rehabilitation centers. Disruptions to these biological rhythms are frequently linked to mental health deterioration, particularly in cases of seasonal affective disorder.

The rise in anxiety and depression is a complex issue with multifaceted causes, but emerging therapeutic strategies, including online interventions and novel treatment methods, offer promising avenues for recovery.