Depression Statistics

People of all backgrounds are suffering with depression. Societal humor and fallacies have proclaimed that it is only something that people with other serious mental disorders get. But National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) has put out some interesting depression statistics that paint a much different picture than this. Their depression statistics show that about 20 million people suffer from depression in the United States alone. So if you find yourself depressed you need to understand that you are not alone. Many people hide their depression so there is a good chance someone around you whom you might not even of suspected is suffering with depression right now.

Depression Statistics By Gender

It is well known that women are more than twice as likely to suffer from depression than men. A lot of this is known to be related to hormones. But much of this may also be a result of the conflicting and difficult roles women play in society. Women should be very alert for symptoms of depression in themselves. This is particularly important after giving birth and during menopause. It is important to keep an eye on depression for your mental and physical health. While obviously depression is a mental health issue, you may not be aware of depression statistics that show that women who suffer depression are about 40% more likely to fracture their hips. This is attributed to depression’s negative impact on the development and maintenance of healthy bones.

Workplace Depression Statistics

Because depression statistics of the World Health Organization show that depression is the top reason for disability among adults 15 to 44 years in age, we know that it has a major impact in the workplace. NIMH’s own depression statistics show estimates of about $12 billion of annual lost productivity due to depression. This seems to indicate that it would be in most organization’s best interests to provide workers with tools to help them recognize and get help for depression.

Depression Statistics For Treatment

Thought 20 million people are suffering from depression, only a small fraction of those people aggressively seek treatment for their depression according to some depression statistics recently release by the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance. But, of those who do seek treatment, the NIMH reports that 4 out of 5 have made progress within the first 6 weeks of treatment. One of the main problems with depression is that it attacks our will to care about things or do things. So it is important that we recognize depression in others and encourage them to get help.



Depression Gone

How To Deal With Depression Tip #1

Fish oil supplements. These can be an effective anti-depressant. Fish oils contain omega-3 fatty acids that have been found to suppress feelings of depression. Omega-3 fatty acids can help the brain replenish its supply of DHA fatty acids, which are needed to keep the brain healthy.

How To Deal With Depression Tip #2

B vitamins and folic acid. According to research, the B vitamins are another natural cure for depression. Research has discovered folic acid deficiencies in adults who have depression. Low folic acid levels can cause one to experience bouts of depression. Additionally, low folic acid levels can slow your body’s response to depression medications.

How To Deal With Depression Tip #3

Exercise. A good workout can help alleviate depression. Exercise acts as a mood enhancer. Exercise can enhance the effects of depression medications by helping the body absorb medications better. And exercise encourages the production of endorphins, the “happy mood” chemical.