Depression Facts

Depression is mental illness that ranges in severity and impacts millions of Americans. Knowledge is always powerful for patients and the public, and this is especially true with mental illnesses like depression.

Who Is Afflicted With Depression?

According to the Washington University School of Medicine, 17.5 million Americans are diagnosed with depression and of these people, 9.2 million have what is referred to as clinical or major depression. This is not a rare disease nor is it a minor affliction that someone can just snap out of. It is a real medical condition that almost always requires some form of medical treatment to control and overcome.

Older Adults, Suicide and Depression

In 2004, 16 percent of suicide victims in the United States were those over the age of 65, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. Of these patients, as many as 75 percent saw a physician within a month of committing suicide. Depression is often present in people over 65 who commit suicide.

Depression in Children

Many do not think about depression in children, but when depression strikes at this age it can have long-term consequences. Depression in children may manifest differently than in adults. For example, children with depression may be more prone to outbursts, eating disorders or running away. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are critical in helping children recover and avoid the additional consequences of this mental illness.

Treatment Accessibility

According to the World Health Organization, fewer than 25 percent of people suffering from depression are able to receive the treatments necessary to improve their illness. Several factors play into this unfortunate trend, such as an inadequate amount of trained mental health practitioners, lack of resources among patients and the social stigma attached to depression.

Post-partum Depression

The baby blues is a common phenomenon, but when the symptoms are more severe and last for a prolonged period of time, this is known as postpartum depression. Up to 20 percent of women who give birth will experience post-partum depression. Postpartum depression is life-altering and can start anytime within a year of giving birth.