The Prevalence of Depression in Today's Society

Prevalence of depression

Heart disease? Cancer? No. These are not the uppermost disabling illnesses in our society today. Unfortunately it is depression, and the prevalence of depression continues to become more widespread.

Depression remains widely misunderstood despite being a relatively common health problem. Although it is now recognised as a serious health issue, many still believe it carries a negative stigma. Some find it difficult to admit feelings of depression as it might be taken as a sign of either not coping or the possibility of being mentally ill.

Many women in mid life experience depression as one of the psychological symptoms associated with menopause or following a hysterectomy due to the lack of oestrogen. It is understood that women are three times more likely than men to suffer from clinical depression as they often suffer a sense of hopelessness or an inability to master their situations and this leads to feelings of guilt and anger, which can evolve into depression if not dealt with effectively.

As Ms Leonie Young, the CEO of Beyond Blue, the national depression initiative in Australia explains:

“Depression and anxiety can be as serious, debilitating and life-threatening as a physical illness – yet less than half of those experiencing depression seek help. This is alarming because untreated depression is a major risk for suicide.”

At least one in five Australians face periods of depression sometime in their life and around one millions adults and 100,000 younger people experience depression every year.

Interesting Statistics on Depression

Depressive disorders affect approximately 18.8 million American adults or about 9.5% of the U.S. population age 18 and older in a given year. This includes major depressive disorder, dysthymic disorder, and bipolar disorder.

• Everyone will, at some time in their life be affected by depression -either own or someone else's, according to Australian Government statistics. (Depression statistics in Australia are comparable to those of the US and UK.)
• Pre-schoolers (4-6 yrs) are the fastest-growing market for antidepressants. At least four percent of this age group - over a million - are diagnosed as being clinically depressed.
• The rate of increase per year of depression among children is an astounding 23%.
• 15% of the population of most developed countries suffers severe depression.
• 30% of women are depressed. Men's figures were previously thought to be half that of women, but now estimates are higher.
• 54% of people believe depression is a personal weakness.
• 41% of depressed women are too embarrassed to seek help.
• 80% of depressed people are not currently having any treatment.
• 92% of depressed African-American males do not seek treatment.
• 15% of depressed people will commit suicide.
• Depression will be the second largest killer after heart disease by 2020 - and studies show depression is a contributory factor to fatal coronary disease.
• Depression results in more absenteeism than almost any other physical disorder and costs employers more than US$51 billion per year in absenteeism and lost productivity, not including high medical and pharmaceutical bills.

As evidenced, the prevalence of depression is widespread and serious.

There are many causes and types of depression but always remember effective treatments and support for this condition is available. When appropriate treatment is received, a full recovery can be made.

The sooner help is sought, the quicker and easier the recovery. Do not delay in seeking medical attention if symptoms are experienced for more than a few weeks. Contact BeyondBlue for immediate assistance.

We need to reduce the prevalence of depression in our society today. Read Wake Up and Smell the Roses to lift your spirits.

See Causes, Symptoms, Types of and Treatments for depression to get a full understanding of the importance of the prevalence of depression today.

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