The website depression.lv has seen a significant increase in traffic, with data showing it receives over 450 visits each day. This surge in visitors is primarily driven by individuals looking to assess their mental health through self-evaluation tests. In a recent month, a total of 1,109 depression tests and 376 anxiety tests were completed, revealing alarming statistics that suggest a high prevalence of clinically significant depression and anxiety among those who participated. The analysis indicates that approximately 81% of depression test takers and 74% of anxiety test takers are experiencing severe symptoms, highlighting an urgent need for mental health support.

Professor Elmārs Rancāns, a psychiatrist and head of the Department of Psychiatry and Narcology at RSU, commented on the findings, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and addressing mental health issues as they arise. He pointed out the disturbing trend of premature deaths often reported in the media, which ignites discussions about depression and anxiety. Rancāns stresses that while it is crucial to talk about these challenges, it is equally important to identify and respond to them promptly to ensure that individuals seek the professional help they need.

To facilitate this, depression.lv offers an accessible self-assessment test, which has been available for over 12 years, allowing users to evaluate their mental health conveniently. This tool is particularly significant as it provides immediate support for individuals who may otherwise hesitate to reach out for help, potentially guiding them towards necessary professional resources and intervention. The continuous use of this platform indicates a growing awareness of mental health issues in Latvia and the need for proactive measures to assist those struggling with depression and anxiety.