Depression, anxiety and childhood trauma: South African study explores links, prevalence and who’s most at risk

South Africans need targeted and accessible interventions and counselling programmes. AJ Watt/Getty Images

Mental health problems among adults are an ever-increasing public health concern. These include depression, anxiety, and conditions associated with bad childhood experiences such as abuse.

Several factors are known to influence the development of mental illness. These include anxiety, early adversity, socio-economic status, and some demographic characteristics such as where a person lives.