Over 239 million medical encounters in Turkey, with a 67% increase observed in antidepressant prescription
In Turkey, a significant increase in the use of antidepressants has been observed, with a 67% rise from 2014 to 2024. This surge in medication consumption may be linked to the economic crisis, unemployment, and financial strain that the country has been experiencing.
According to recent data, around 3.6 million households live in extreme poverty, and 4 million households cannot afford electricity bills. These severe conditions have contributed to increased stress levels and deteriorating mental health, as 25 million people in Turkey face poverty or social exclusion, many struggling with financial instability and related health problems.
The high poverty and unemployment rates lead to increased medical visits, with 239 million six-monthly medical examinations recorded in 2025. This figure nearly triples the population size, reflecting a surge in health and mental health issues.
Main opposition MP Mustafa Sarigul has argued that the reasons behind such high hospital visits in Turkey must be examined. He cited the Turkish Statistical Institute (TUIK) data from 2024, which revealed that 29% of the population faces poverty or social exclusion.
Sarigul has also warned of the health consequences of deep poverty, stating, "Deep poverty causes deep wounds." He linked poverty-driven malnutrition, stress, and rising illness rates to the high hospital visits in Turkey, including the rise in antidepressant use.
In 2024, 65,591,252 boxes of antidepressants were used in Turkey, and 40 out of 100 people in the country cannot afford meat. Sarigul's warnings regarding the health consequences of deep poverty in Turkey include the rise in antidepressant use, as 85 million citizens in Turkey became ill three times in just six months.
The high usage of antidepressants in Turkey may be related to the health consequences of deep poverty and stress. Sarigul has been vocal about the issue, stating that poverty-driven malnutrition, stress, and rising illness rates contribute to the high hospital visits and antidepressant use in the country.
Unemployment rates in Turkey are not provided in the search results, but the context of financial strain and rising poverty indicates joblessness contributes significantly to the mental health burden and antidepressant demand. This pattern mirrors global observations where economic downturns commonly elevate mental health risks.
While no direct detailed statistical modeling or study specific to Turkey was found in the search results, the rise in antidepressant use and related health data clearly correlate with the country's difficult economic conditions and unemployment challenges.
- The economic crisis in Turkey, marked by unemployment and financial strain, seems to be a significant factor in the 67% increase in antidepressant use from 2014 to 2024.
- As a result of these adverse economic conditions, approximately 3.6 million households in Turkey live in extreme poverty, struggling to afford basic necessities like electricity.
- The high poverty rate has contributed to increased mental health issues, as 25 million people in Turkey face poverty or social exclusion, many dealing with stress and related health problems.
- Main opposition MP Mustafa Sarigul has highlighted the connection between the high hospital visits and antidepressant use in Turkey, and the prevalence of deep poverty, malnutrition, and rising illness rates.
- In 2024, 65,591,252 boxes of antidepressants were used in Turkey, and 40 out of 100 people cannot afford meat, which may be indicative of the impact of poverty on mental health.
- Sarigul has warned that, in addition to the rise in antidepressant use, deep poverty in Turkey may also contribute to an escalation in chronic diseases and neurological disorders.
- The surge in medical visits, with 239 million six-monthly medical examinations recorded in 2025, could be attributed to the increased prevalence of mental health issues and other health problems linked to poverty.
- The high hospital visits and antidepressant use in Turkey may also be linked to decreased access to fitness and exercise due to financial constraints, exacerbating the strain on mental health.
- As Turkey grapples with these challenges, policy and legislation efforts should prioritize addressing the root causes of deep poverty, including joblessness, to promote healthier living conditions and combat the rising mental health burdens.
