Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsMajor Depressive EpisodesDemographicsPrevalenceTreatment EffectivenessResources

Table of ContentsView All

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Table of Contents

Major Depressive Episodes

Demographics

Prevalence

Treatment Effectiveness

Resources

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Depression affects people from all walks of life, no matter their background. It can affect people of all ages as well. Unfortunately,there’s still a stigmathat surrounds mental health issues, and some people view disorders like depression as a weakness. But, similar to the way anyone can develop certain physical health issues, mental health issues aren’t always preventable.

Understanding the latest depression statistics could increaseawareness about mental health, and recognizing how widespread it is could also help reduce the stigma—which might encourage more people to seek treatment.

TheDiagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders(DSM-5) defines a major depressive episode as at least two weeks of a depressed mood or loss of interest or pleasure in almost all activities, as well as at least five other symptoms, such as:

If you are having suicidal thoughts, contact theNational Suicide Prevention Lifelineat988for support and assistance from a trained counselor. If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call 911.For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.

If you are having suicidal thoughts, contact theNational Suicide Prevention Lifelineat988for support and assistance from a trained counselor. If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call 911.

For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.

The symptoms must cause significant distress or impairment in a person’s social, occupational, or educational functioning.

There’s no singlecause of depression, according to research. Brain chemistry, hormones, genetics, life experiences, and physical health can all play a role.

Depression can begin at any age and it can affect people of all races and across all socioeconomic statuses. Here are some of the statistics on the demographics of people with depression:

While they don’t speculate as to the cause, it may be that increased income results in lessmoney-related stressand improved access to mental health services.

The survey also revealed that prevalence rates among men and women have been fairly consistent over the last decade.

Research has shown that women experience depression at roughly twice the rate as men. While the exact causes of this gender disparity are unclear, this increased prevalence in women is often linked to factors such as hormones, life circumstances, and stress.

Why Some People Are More Prone to Depression

Whileanxiety disordersare the most common mental illness in the U.S., depression isn’t far behind. The most recent depression statistics include:

It’s estimated that 15% of the adult population will experience depression at some point in their lifetime.

Seasonal Depression

Depressive disorder with seasonal pattern (formerly known asseasonal affective disorderor SAD) is a pattern of depressive episodes that occur in line with seasonal changes. Most commonly, it is diagnosed in winter in people who live in colder climates. Summer-type seasonal pattern, while possible, is less often diagnosed.

Here are the latest statistics on depressive disorders with seasonal patterns:

Postpartum Depression

It’s common for women to experience stress, sadness, loneliness, and exhaustion after giving birth. But some women experiencepostpartum depressionthat makes it difficult for them to care for themselves or their babies after giving birth. Here are the statistics on postpartum depression:

Suicide and Self-Harm

Untreated depression increases a person’s risk of suicide. Here are the latest statistics on suicide:

U.S. Suicide Rates and Statistics

Rates in Children and Adolescents

Depression can beginduring childhoodorduring the teenage years. Similar to the prevalence rates in adults, girls are more likely to experience depression than boys. There’s a sharp increase in depression in girls just after puberty.

Although there has been a rise in teenage depression, according to a 2016 American Academy of Pediatrics study, there has not been a corresponding increase in treatment for teenagers.

Here are the most recent depression statistics in children and adolescents:

The Consequences of Untreated Depression in Children

Economic Impact

Depression takes an economic toll on individuals, families, organizations, and society as a whole. It can lead to reduced educational attainment, lower earning potential, and higher rates of unemployment:

Depression is very treatable. But, only about half of all Americans who are diagnosed with depression in a given year get treatment. Those who do seek treatment wait months or years to get help.

Many individuals with depression who seek treatment are under-treated. Studies consistently show a combination of talk therapy and medication can be most effective in treating depression.

Here are the latest statistics ondepression treatment:

Talk to a Professional Online About Your Condition

If you havesymptoms of depression, there are resources available that can help:

If you or a loved one are struggling with depression, contact theSubstance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helplineat1-800-662-4357for information on support and treatment facilities in your area.For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.

If you or a loved one are struggling with depression, contact theSubstance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helplineat1-800-662-4357for information on support and treatment facilities in your area.

A Word From Verywell

If you suspect you have depression, talk to your healthcare provider. A physician can assess your symptoms and can provide you with a referral to a specialist if necessary. You can also contact a mental health professional directly to discuss treatment options.

If you suspect someone you know has depression, address your concerns. They may be willing to seek treatment if you bring up the subject. And treatment could save someone’s life.

4 Sources

Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

Dragisic T, Dickov A, Dickov V, Mijatovic V.Drug addiction as risk for suicide attempts.Mater Sociomed. 2015;27(3):188-91. doi:10.5455/msm.2015.27.188-191

Mojtabai R, Olfson M, Han B.National trends in the prevalence and treatment of depression in adolescents and young adults.Pediatrics. 2016;138(6). doi:10.1542/peds.2016-1878

Greenberg PE, Fournier AA, Sisitsky T, Pike CT, Kessler RC.The economic burden of adults with major depressive disorder in the United States (2005 and 2010).J Clin Psychiatry. 2015;76(2):155-62. doi:10.4088/JCP.14m09298

American Psychological Association.What Is Postpartum Depression and Anxiety?Centers for Disease Control.Web-based Injury Statistics Query and Reporting System. Updated March 21, 2019.Depression and Other Common Mental Disorders: Global Health Estimates. Geneva: World Health Organization; 2017.Mental Health America. 2017 State of Mental Health in America – Report Overview Historical Data.National Institute of Mental Health.Major Depression. Updated February 2019.National Institute of Mental Health.Suicide. Updated April 2019.

American Psychological Association.What Is Postpartum Depression and Anxiety?

Centers for Disease Control.Web-based Injury Statistics Query and Reporting System. Updated March 21, 2019.

Depression and Other Common Mental Disorders: Global Health Estimates. Geneva: World Health Organization; 2017.

Mental Health America. 2017 State of Mental Health in America – Report Overview Historical Data.

National Institute of Mental Health.Major Depression. Updated February 2019.

National Institute of Mental Health.Suicide. Updated April 2019.

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