Depression is a mental disorder characterized by a high prevalence and recurrent course. It also has a negative impact on the patient’s everyday activities. Moreover, the costs of depression are very high, both in relation to direct and indirect costs. Therefore, depression is being considered a serious public health concern in both medical, social and economic terms. Nonetheless, depression might be effectively treated. It is related, however, to the use of comprehensive pharmacotherapy supported by non-pharmacological interventions, including the therapeutic role of employment. Hence, it leads to the less frequent and shorter hospitalizations as well as it contributes to the costs decrease and to the patients’ successful comeback to society. Nevertheless, it requires to implement the amendments of organization and funding of mental health care. It seems that it should an urgent aim for health care decision makers because depression is one of the most serious health problems of a modern man.

Key words: depression, costs, burden.