Depression Statistics
Did you know that depression is the most common mental health condition in the United States? Shockingly, 1 in 15 adults will experience depression or have at least one major depressive episode. That’s a staggering statistic! In fact, last year alone, a whopping 16 million American adults – that’s 6.9% of the population – experienced at least one episode of major depression. But here’s the kicker: rates of depression are even higher among young adults between the ages of 18 and 25. That’s right, the age group that’s supposed to be carefree and enjoying life is actually struggling the most with this debilitating condition. And while depression doesn’t discriminate, it does seem to affect women more than men. In fact, women are diagnosed with depression almost twice as often as men. And if that wasn’t enough, approximately one in eight women experience postpartum depression – a condition that can make the already challenging task of motherhood even more difficult.
Depression Is Treatable
Clinical depression is absolutely treatable. There are a variety of options available to you, including antidepressants, counseling, repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation, vitamin D, light therapy, electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), or a combination of these treatments. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), a whopping 40 to 60 out of 100 people who start taking antidepressants notice a significant improvement in their symptoms after just six to eight weeks. The first step towards feeling better is to chat with your primary care provider (PCP) about which treatment options might be best for you. Don’t wait – take control of your mental health today!
So if you’ve said or thought these things a lot recently…
– “I’m too tired to try.”
– “I don’t want to leave home.”
– “I don’t care anymore.”
– “Why am I always crying?”
– “I don’t even know who I am any more.”
Or even…
– “I wish I wasn’t here.”
…there are proven steps and therapies that have been shown to result in remarkable relief. To bring you hope, help and a way forward.