Being Aware of the Signs of Depression

This time of year there are a record number of people dealing with depression. When you add the economic crisis and record job losses that are occurring at this time of year....the number of people dealing with depression can skyrocket.

Many people are not aware that a friend or family member maybe suffering from depression. I thought I would take a moment to make you aware of some signs and symptoms...and some interesting facts about depression.

Of the estimated 17.5 million Americans who are affected by some form

of depression, 9.2 million have major or clinical depression.

(Source: Washington University-St. Louis)

Two-thirds of people suffering from depression do not seek necessary treatment.

(Source: Washington University-St. Louis)

80% of all people with clinical depression who have received treatment

significantly improve their lives.

(Source: Washington University-St. Louis)

The economic cost of depression is estimated at $30.4 billion a year

but the cost in human suffering cannot be estimated.

(Source: Washington University-St. Louis)

Women experience depression about twice as often as men.

(Source: Washington University-St. Louis)

By the year 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that

depression will be the number two cause of "lost years of healthy life" worldwide.

(Source: Washington University-St. Louis)

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suicide was the ninth leading cause of death in the United States in 1996.

(Source: Washington University-St. Louis)

Major Depression is 1.5-3.0 times more common among first-degree biological

relatives of those with the disorder than among the general population.

(Source: Washington University-St. Louis)

54% of all people believe that depression is a personal weakness.

(Source: National Mental Health Association (NMHA) study reported

in MSNBC Health Today, March 10, 2004.)

41% of depressed women are too embarrassed to seek help.

(Source: NHMA Survey, 1996)

80% of depressed people are not currently having any treatment.

(Source: National Healthcare Quality Report”, 2003)

Some of the signs and symptoms of depression are:

Changes in appetite that result in weight loss or weight gain unrelated to dieting.

Insomnia or oversleeping.

Loss of energy or increased fatigue.

Restlessness or irritability.

Feelings of worthlessness or feelings of inappropriate guilt.

Loss of interest in normal activities.

Crying spells or feeling "blue".

Difficulty thinking, concentrating or making decisions.

Thoughts of death, suicide or attempts at suicide.

The American Psychiatric Association has a great fact sheet on depression (click here). The National Institute of Mental Health website also has some great information on depression and other mental illnesses.

Disclaimer: The contents of this blog are for informational purposes only. The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on any website.