Depression Statistics and Their Correlation With Overcoming Depression

Depression takes a heavy toll on our lives. In the current era, almost every individual experiences symptoms of depression at some point in their life. Interestingly, causes of depression are varied. Some of them include genetic traits, escalating tensions, ever demanding work pressure, anxiety, stress and traumatic events happening in life such as an accident, death or divorce. In fact, the effect of depression on human life can be best understood by glancing through some of the depression statistics that are summarized below.

As per the records of the Commission on Mental Health, 1 out of every 7 Americans is seeking professional help and medical treatment for emotional disturbances. These numbers are just an approximate figure that the authorities had deduced through some statistical analysis. Actual figures seem to be much more than this. Interestingly, there has been no improvement in depression statistics over the last decade.  From this one can easily estimate the gravity of the problem. Other major facts about depression that one can deduce through these depression statistics are as follows:-

• Almost 9.5% of the U.S. population or 18 million Americans aged 18 and above are now suffering with various forms of depressive disorders including major depression, dysthymic disorder, and bipolar disorder. Interestingly, similar numbers were obtained even amongst residents of Australia and UK, suggesting that depression is a worldwide phenomenon.


• Nearly 3% of U.S population or 6 million adults are suffering with Bipolar disorder, also known as manic depression.


• Almost 30% of women are depressed at some point of their life. Also, depressive disorder and Clinical depression are two major forms of depression that have higher incidence in women. Ironically, the number of women suffering from these illnesses is twice when compared with the number of men suffering with the same symptoms.


• Increased rate of depression in teenagers and children is becoming a major concern. As per the available depression statistics, approximately 4% of adolescents get into depression. Also, the number of children suffering with depression symptoms is increasing at an alarming rate of 23% p.a.


• Approximately 80% of people experiencing depression and related symptoms are unable to figure out the causes of depression and are not even making any efforts for overcoming depression. The numbers are even higher when it comes to African-American males. In them, almost 92% individuals do not seek any medical treatment.


• Overcoming depression is extremely important. Depression, if left untreated, can turn chronic, where patients contemplate with the thoughts of self-annihilation and suicide. More than 90% people who commit suicide have been diagnosed with mental illness. Also, 15% of depressed people do commit suicide.


• If all the above facts are not alarming enough, then pay attention to this. By the year 2020, depression is predicted to be second biggest killer after heart diseases.

Depression often goes unnoticed and untreated. This is one of the main reasons behind the high numbers that are observed in depression statistics. Anti-depressants play a significant role inovercoming depression as they help in balancing the concentration of chemical messengers or neurotransmitters present inside the brain. One can even try treatments such as psychotherapy when suffering with mild to moderate symptoms of depression. Also, one must adopt positive perspective towards life and ensure that one leads a healthy, happy and active life.

By keeping these depression statistics in mind, one should get a greater understanding of the importance of early diagnosis. With just a little more research, you should be well on your way to helping yourself or your loved ones who may experiencing the symptoms of depression.