 has joined NVIDIA Inception, a program that supports startups transforming industries through advanced technologies.

Building a Culturally Aware Mental Health Platform

, we’re building a culturally aware mental health platform designed to improve access to therapy and emotional support—starting in some of the world’s most underserved regions. With over 3,800 users and 1,000+ therapy sessions completed since launch, our goal is to combine expert human care with intelligent tools to improve outcomes and scale impact. We’re also developing an AI companion to detect early signs of mental health issues and support users between sessions.

How NVIDIA Inception Accelerates Our AI Development

Joining NVIDIA Inception will help us accelerate the development of our AI models by providing access to cutting-edge tools like NVIDIA GPUs, TensorRT, and DeepStream. These technologies will power our AI-driven features such as real-time emotion detection, intelligent therapist matching, and predictive mental health support. Through the program, we’ll also benefit from go-to-market support, training, and collaboration with world-class experts and fellow AI-first startups.

“Mental health care needs to be reimagined for local contexts, and we believe AI plays a powerful role in that. Being part of NVIDIA Inception gives us the tools and network to build faster and smarter.” — Oluwaseun Thani, Co-founder of TranqBay Health

NVIDIA Inception helps startups during critical stages of product development, prototyping, and deployment. Members receive a custom set of ongoing benefits, including Deep Learning Institute credits, preferred pricing on NVIDIA hardware and software, and technical assistance—equipping them with the essential tools to grow and scale.

We’re proud to join this global community of innovators and excited to harness cutting-edge technology to transform mental health care. Together with NVIDIA and our partners, we look forward to creating meaningful impact and a healthier future for all.

TranqBay Health joins NVIDIA Inception to scale its AI-driven mental health platform with access to cutting-edge tools, training, and expert support

TranqBay Health Joins NVIDIA Inception

Depression isn’t just a personal battle, but a global epidemic. The World Health Organization estimates that over 280 million people worldwide suffer from depression. Yet, despite its scale, it often goes unspoken, untreated, and deeply misunderstood.

We live in a world where mental health conversations are slowly gaining traction, but stigma, ignorance, and systemic gaps still leave millions in the shadows. In this article, we’re not just talking about depression — we’re counting it. Because sometimes, the numbers speak louder than words.

This isn’t just about data. It’s about what the data reveals, who it affects, and what it means for how we treat, support, and understand those living with depression.

According to the World Health Organization (2023), more than 280 million people across the world are living with depression.

Depression affects people of all ages, but the 18–25 age group reports the highest levels of major depressive episodes.

Women are nearly twice as likely as men to be diagnosed with depression — but many men suffer in silence due to stigma and cultural expectations.

Depression does not discriminate by region. High-income and low-income countries alike report high rates of the condition, though access to care varies dramatically.

Depression is one of the leading causes of suicide, which claims around 700,000 lives globally each year.

It’s the fourth leading cause of death among people aged 15–29.

In many suicide cases, underlying depression is either undiagnosed or untreated.

The WHO reports that suicide prevention efforts are still lacking in nearly 40% of countries, especially where mental health is not prioritized.

In low- and middle-income countries, over 75% of people with depression receive no treatment at all.

Even in high-income nations, access isn’t always easy: waiting lists, high costs, and lack of professionals create significant barriers.

Stigma remains a major roadblock — many avoid seeking help for fear of being labeled “weak,” “dramatic,” or “lazy.”

In some cultures, depression is still not recognized as a real illness, and individuals are told to "pray harder," "toughen up," or "snap out of it."

Sometimes, it’s not that people don’t want help. It’s that too often, help is either unavailable or unacceptable to society.

The Economic and Social Costs of Depression

Beyond the emotional toll, depression causes massive economic strain.

Each year, depression and anxiety cost the global economy an estimated $1 trillion in lost productivity (WHO).

Absenteeism, presenteeism (being at work but mentally checked out), and burnout are all tied to untreated mental health struggles.

Depression also breaks down family structures, strains friendships, and affects parenting and caregiving roles.

It is obvious that depression is not only a personal issue. It’s a social and economic one, silently shaping the way we live, work, and relate.

It’s not all grim. Despite the sobering numbers, there’s also movement — and momentum.

Mental health awareness campaigns are growing globally.

More people, including public figures and celebrities, are opening up about their struggles, helping to normalize the conversation.

Online therapy, mobile apps, mental health hotlines, and community-based support systems are making help more accessible than ever.

Governments and organizations are beginning to recognize the need for mental health integration in public health policies.

Share this article because someone out there may need it.

Talk about depression, even when it’s uncomfortable.

Support mental health initiatives in your community.

These numbers are more than just data points, they represent real people. People who smile in public and cry in private. People who show up for others while silently falling apart. People who need us to pay attention.

If we can understand the numbers, we can start changing them.

We can advocate, check in on loved ones, fund support systems and challenge the stigma, one conversation at a time.

World Health Organization (2023). Depression – Key Facts. Retrieved from 

https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/depression

World Health Organization (2022). Mental Health and COVID-19: Early evidence of the pandemic’s impact. Retrieved from 

https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240055409

National Institute of Mental Health (2023). Major Depression. Retrieved from 

https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/major-depression

Mental Health Foundation (2022). Depression: The Facts. Retrieved from 

https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/explore-mental-health/a-z-topics/depression

Our World in Data (2023). Mental Health. Retrieved from 

This article presents key facts and global statistics on depression, its impact on individuals and society, and the growing urgency for mental health awareness.

Depression By The Numbers: What the Stats Really Say

Mental health is no longer just a conversation for individuals or mental health professionals; it's being actively discussed and promoted by global organizations, such as the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), World Health Organization (WHO). 

Founded in 1948, the World Health Organization WHO is a United Nations agency dedicated to advancing health and ensuring that everyone, everywhere, can attain the highest level of health.

WHO has been at the forefront of advocating for stronger mental health care systems, emphasizing the integration of mental health services into primary health care. This aligns closely with SDG 3, which focuses on ensuring good health and well-being for all.

According to WHO, mental health is integral to our ability to think, feel, and interact with others. It's not just the absence of mental disorders but a state of overall well-being. As WHO rightly states, “

There is no health without mental health.”

On March 25, 2025, WHO launched a new guideline aimed at strengthening mental health policies worldwide. 

Globally, mental health services have been severely underfunded, with many individuals suffering from severe mental health conditions without access to adequate care. This lack of resources results in low-quality care for some and a lack of help for others.

The new guidance aims to ensure quality care and treatment are accessible to everyone, promoting the mental health of all people, regardless of their background or circumstances.

WHO is placing serious emphasis on making mental health care more accessible, especially in low- and middle-income countries where services are often limited or inadequate. There’s also a strong focus on promoting mental well-being and preventing mental health disorders early on, through strategies that reduce the overall global burden. 

Beyond the health sector, WHO is calling on all sectors  - education, employment, and social services  to integrate mental health into their policies. It’s a whole-society approach. 

There's also a renewed commitment to protecting the rights of people with mental health conditions, encouraging a shift from institutional care to more community-focused, person-centered support. 

WHO’s 2025 guideline lays out practical steps that countries can take to strengthen their mental health systems, making sure that mental health care is accessible to everyone, no matter where they live or what their situation is. 

With millions of people around the globe struggling with mental health issues and far too many not getting the help they need, this new guidance is timely and essential. 

1. Enhancing Access to Mental Health Services: 

A major emphasis of the 2025 guideline is on making mental health services more accessible, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). These nations often struggle with limited mental health care options, and WHO highlights the necessity of integrating mental health care into primary health systems. 

This approach will help make mental health services more available at the community level, allowing individuals to receive support early on when it’s most crucial.

Another significant aspect of the guideline is the urgent call for increased funding for mental health care. WHO points out that mental health services are frequently underfunded, with many countries allocating less than 2% of their health budgets to this area. 

The 2025 guideline encourages governments to invest more in mental health care, ensuring that quality services are accessible to everyone, not just those who can afford it.

WHO is advocating for a more comprehensive approach by urging all sector to incorporate mental health strategies into their policies. Mental health isn’t solely a health concern; it’s a societal one. 

By ensuring that mental health is prioritized in all aspects of life, we can foster a more supportive and inclusive environment for everyone.

4. Human Rights and Community-Based Care: 

A huge shift in the 2025 guideline is the emphasis on community-based care instead of institutional care. WHO advocates for treating people with mental health conditions with the dignity they deserve and making sure they receive care in their communities rather than in large, impersonal institutions. 

This move towards person-centered care is about giving individuals the support they need in familiar, supportive environments.

Finally, WHO’s guideline stresses the need to address the social and structural factors that contribute to poor mental health, like poverty, unemployment, and social isolation. 

By tackling these broader issues, we can improve mental well-being on a larger scale and prevent mental health challenges before they become more serious.

WHO’s 2025 guideline is more than just a call to action; it’s a plan for a global shift in how we treat mental health. It is about breaking down barriers, ensuring that mental health services are available to everyone, and creating a world where mental well-being is supported in every part of society.

By focusing on accessibility, funding, and integration, WHO is aiming to create a world where mental health care is just as important and accessible as any other aspect of health care. 

With mental health challenges on the rise around the world, the 2025 WHO guideline is an essential roadmap for change. 

Let’s come together to promote mental well-being in every aspect of our society. 

Support mental health initiatives, help raise awareness, and encourage your community to make mental health a key part of overall wellness. 

Share this article and help spread the message about how crucial mental health care is for everyone.

WHO’s 2025 guideline focuses on improving mental health care globally through better access, funding, integration, and community-based support for all.

What WHO Says About Mental Health

One-on-one therapy sessions between a client and a therapist to address personal concerns, emotions, and behaviors.

Individual Therapy

Counseling sessions that involve multiple family members to address relationship dynamics, conflicts, and family-related issues.

Family Therapy

Therapeutic sessions conducted with a small group of individuals who share similar issues or goals, providing support and shared experiences.

Group Therapy

Therapy sessions involving couples to improve communication, resolve conflicts, and enhance the quality of their relationship.

Couples Therapy

Initial consultation therapy for client who are unsure of their needs

Initial Consultation

Specialized therapy for children and teenagers to address age-specific emotional and behavioral challenges.

Child and Adolescent Therapy

Body image concerns involve persistent negative thoughts and feelings about your appearance that impact self-esteem and daily life. Our therapists help clients develop a healthier relationship with their bodies, challenge unrealistic ideals, and build confidence beyond physical appearance.

Work with therapists to build self-acceptance and improve your relationship with your body.

Embrace Positive Body Image

Body image concerns

Social anxiety and shyness can make everyday interactions feel overwhelming and limit participation in important life activities. Our therapists help clients gradually build confidence in social situations, challenge negative thoughts about judgment, and develop authentic connection skills.

Work with therapists to reduce fear in social situations and improve your interpersonal comfort.

Build Social Confidence

Social anxiety and shyness

Phobias and fears are intense, irrational anxieties about specific objects, activities, or situations that interfere with daily functioning. Our therapists use evidence-based approaches including exposure therapy to help clients gradually reduce fear responses and reclaim freedom in their lives.

Confront fears gently and regain control of your life through guided therapy.

Support for Phobias and fears

Phobias and fears

Obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors involve distressing, intrusive thoughts and repetitive actions performed to reduce anxiety. Our specialized therapists provide evidence-based treatment to help manage OCD symptoms, reduce ritual behaviors, and develop healthier responses to uncertainty.

Break free from distressing patterns with structured and supportive care.

Support for Obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors

Obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors

Self-Esteem issues involve persistent negative beliefs about one's worth, abilities, or lovability. Our therapists help clients identify the roots of low self-esteem, challenge self-critical thoughts, develop self-compassion, recognize personal strengths, and build a stronger, more positive sense of self.

Get professional help with issues related to self-esteem in a safe and supportive space.

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