Mental illnesses: DAK: Approval due to depression rose by 50 percent

According to numbers from the health insurance company, DAK-Gesundheit caused about 50 percent more absenteeism than in 2023. In relation to 100 employees, psychological diagnoses led to a total of 342 missing days, after 323 days in the previous year, as the DAK announced. The loss of work caused by depression alone had increased 100 employees to 183 absenteeism. In 2023 it was 122 days. As the current psychological report of DAK health shows, employees in daycare centers and geriatric care are particularly stressed.

“The high number of mental illnesses is often associated with long absenteeism and stigmatization for those affected and their employers,” said DAK CEO Andreas Storm. “We can no longer close our eyes, because mental health is a central success factor for a resilient society and a strong business location of Germany.” Storm said that increased information about the causes and taboo -free information on depression and anxiety disorders as well as supporting offers to strengthen mental health.

Leap -up climb in the elderly

All age groups are affected by the increase in depression. With the younger ones, the numbers have been gradually high for a few years, and there was a sudden increase in the higher age groups in 2024. The absenteeism due to depression for over 60 year olds from 169 to 249 days per 100 employees increased.

According to the information, the duration of an average sick leave due to a mental illness was in 2024 with almost 33 days a little above the previous year. The number of lengthy sick leave of 29 to 42 days has increased by 14 percent

DAK health is one of the largest statutory health insurance companies in Germany and, according to its own statements, has the data of 2.42 million DAK-insured employees evaluated by the Berlin IGES Institute.