Depression Awareness
Feeling down or depressed is very prevalent in our world today. In fact, depression is one of the most prevalent mental health conditions in the U.S. and it is the leading cause of disability worldwide. The good news is that depression is very treatable. Being able to identify symptoms for both you and those around you is the key so that treatment can be obtained as soon as possible. Of the reported adults who have been diagnosed with depression 35% do not receive treatment. The number jumps even higher for youth at 59.8%. Below we have provided information for you detailing facts, statistics, symptoms, and possible treatment options. If you or someone you know is presenting differently, please consider speaking to them and reaching out for help.
Depression Facts & Stats
An estimated 3.8% of the population experience depression, including 5% of adults (4% among men and 6% among women), and 5.7% of adults older than 60 years
11.5% of youth (over 2.7 million youth) are experiencing severe major depression
Depression is about 50% more common among women than among men.
Nearly 50% of those diagnosed with depression also have an anxiety disorder
· In the U.S., there are 350 individuals who suffer with mental health concerns per 1 mental health provider.
Symptoms of Depression
Depression symptoms can vary from mild to severe and can include:
Feeling sad or experiencing a depressed mood
Loss of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed
Changes in appetite — weight loss or gain unrelated to dieting
Trouble sleeping or sleeping too much
Loss of energy or increased fatigue
Increase in purposeless physical activity (e.g., inability to sit still, pacing, handwringing) or slowed movements or speech (these actions must be severe enough to be observable by others)
Feeling worthless or guilty
Difficulty thinking, concentrating, or making decisions
Thoughts of death or suicide
Additional Warning Signs in Youth
Changes in friend group
Acting out against authority
Decline in academic performance
Forgetfulness or absentmindedness
Memory loss
Symptoms must last at least two weeks and must represent a change in your previous level of functioning for a diagnosis of depression.
*Also, medical conditions (e.g., thyroid problems, a brain tumor or vitamin deficiency) can mimic symptoms of depression so it is important to rule out general medical causes.*
Risk Factors for Depression
Depression can affect anyone—even a person who appears to live in relatively ideal circumstances.
Several factors can play a role in depression:
Biochemistry: Differences in certain chemicals in the brain may contribute to symptoms of depression.
Genetics: Depression can run in families. For example, if one identical twin has depression, the other has a 70 percent chance of having the illness sometime in life.
Personality: People with low self-esteem, who are easily overwhelmed by stress, or who are generally pessimistic appear to be more likely to experience depression.
Environmental factors: Continuous exposure to violence, neglect, abuse or poverty may make some people more vulnerable to depression.
Stress: Top five life event stressors; death of a loved one, divorce or separation, moving, long-term illness, job loss.
Possible Treatments for Depression
Psychotherapy
Self-help strategies (support groups, online resources, self-help books)
Medications (SSRIs, SNRIs, MAOIs, TCAs, etc.)
Lifestyle changes: healthy diet, herbal/dietary supplements, physical exercise, adequate sleep
Light therapy
Getting Help
Call the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988.
Text HOME to the Crisis Textline at 741741.
Call 911 or your local emergency services number if you feel safe to do so.
If you would like to have a conversation, know that TEAM is here to support you in making changes to better your mental health and overall well-being. Contact TEAM today.
Information contributed by Alicia Lindley & Courtney Pierre, TEAM Counselors
https://adaa.org/understanding-anxiety/depression/facts-statistics https://www.healthline.com/health/teenage-depression-test#teenage-depression-tests Light therapy: Not just for seasonal depression? - Harvard Health https://mhanational.org/sites/default/files/2023-State-of-Mental-Health-in-America-Report.pdf Natural remedies for depression: Are they effective? - Mayo Clinic https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/depression/what-is-depression#:~:text=Depression%20(major%20depressive%20disorder)%20is,in%20activities%20you%20once%20enjoyed Top 5 Most Stressful Life Events (verywellmind.com) https://www.verywellmind.com/depression-statistics-everyone-should-know-4159056 https://www.verywellmind.com/treatments-for-depression-1065502