Libya has ranked third among Arab countries in rates of depression and reported mental health disorders for 2025, according to a report published by World Population Review.
The ranking sheds light on a growing mental health burden in the country, reflecting years of political instability, economic hardship, and prolonged social stress.
The report points to a noticeable rise in depression-related conditions among Libyans, driven largely by the psychological impact of conflict and insecurity since 2011. Repeated exposure to violence, displacement, and loss has left deep emotional scars, while the absence of long-term stability has intensified feelings of uncertainty and anxiety across large segments of society.
World Population Review notes that Libya’s limited mental health infrastructure plays a significant role in shaping the crisis. A shortage of specialized professionals, weak access to psychological services, and social stigma surrounding mental illness mean that many cases go undiagnosed or untreated. As a result, experts believe the actual prevalence of depression may be higher than reported figures suggest.
Economic pressures are another major factor behind the rising rates. Persistent unemployment, rising prices, declining purchasing power, and unreliable public services have increased daily stress for individuals and families. These challenges are compounded by social fragmentation, internal displacement, and the erosion of traditional support networks that once helped buffer psychological strain.
The report highlights how the accumulation of traumatic experiences, combined with ongoing daily pressures, has created an environment in which depression and related disorders are becoming more widespread. Many Libyans continue to live under constant pressure linked to financial insecurity, safety concerns, and an unpredictable future.
Mental health specialists warn that ignoring these trends could have long-term consequences for social cohesion, productivity, and overall public well-being. Untreated depression can contribute to higher rates of substance abuse, family breakdown, and reduced economic participation.
