After the war began, Russians began buying 2,5 times more antidepressants.

In January-February 2025, pharmacies earned 2,8 billion rubles from the sale of antidepressants, with a total of 3,2 million packages sold. Figures lead Vedomosti, citing a report from the analytical company DSM Group, said this is a record for at least the past five years.

For comparison: since the pre-war 2021 the amount increased 3,4 times, and unit sales increased 2,5 times. In the first two months of the year, Russians purchased 1,3 million packages worth 830 million rubles. In 2022, the figures were slightly lower, but have since only increased.

Experts note that people are increasingly seeking help from mental health professionals. Furthermore, neurologists are also increasingly prescribing antidepressants, which is linked to a rise in anxiety, depression, and other stress-related disorders.

According to a study by the Agency for Strategic Initiatives, by the end of 2023, approximately 15 million people in Russia, or 10% of the country's population, were depressed.