Depression Statistics

Whether it’s on tv, the radio, or in every day conversation you probably hear the term “depression” used quite frequently, but do you know the actual numbers behind it. We have compiled some statistics on depression from various sources that may surprise you.

• It is estimated that 1 out of every 33 children suffer from some symptoms of depression

• Likewise, 1 out of 8, or 12.5% of teenagers suffer

• Among adults 18 and over there are approximately 14.8 million Americans suffering in any given year.

• Although men and woman both suffer from depression, it is more common in woman. In fact, females were more likely to be diagnosed than men by 20.2% vs. 8.2%

• As far as ethnicity, non-Hispanic whites are the most common group to suffer from symptoms.

• In adults ages 15-44, depression is the leading cause of disability.

• They type of depression that occurs most often is major depressive disorder.

• Some estimates show that depression will be the second leading illness by the year 2020, those are some truly staggering numbers.

• People between the ages 10-24, should be watched especially close if they are suffering from depression because suicide is the third leading cause of death. This most likely happens from suffering from depression

• It is estimated that only about 10% of people suffering from depression ever seek treatment. This is significant because if left untreated depression can lead to serious physical damage.

• Alcohol and depression have a close correlation. Estimates show that as much as 40% of people who abuse alcohol suffer from depressive symptoms. Likewise 5%-10% of people who suffer from depression abuse alcohol.

These numbers may be startling if you have never seen them before, but they show just how prevalent depression actually is. More importantly, it shows that if you or someone you know are suffering, you/they are not alone. It will be okay, as long as you realize the symptoms, and seek help. As the statistics show, only about 10% of people are seeking treatment, that is way to low.

Sources:
CDC – Anxiety and Depression – http://www.cdc.gov/Features/dsBRFSSDepressionAnxiety/
Livestrong.com – Depression Facts and Figures – http://www.livestrong.com/article/169031-depression-facts-figures/
WebMD – What is Depression? – http://www.webmd.com/depression/guide/what-is-depression
DepressionGuide.com – http://www.depression-guide.com