Chances are high that if you live in America you know somebody that lives with Depression on a daily basis. It could be a friend, family member, or you might even be depressed yourself.
Recent statistics show that more than 18 million Americans have a depressive disorder, or almost one in ten people over the age of 17 years old. Think about it. If you work in an office with 100 people, ten of them will be depressed.
It’s a fact that Clinical Depression is more than feeling sad or blue. Sadness is a natural part of life that we all experience from time to time. While we may say or think we’re “depressed,” it’s not the same as having a medical condition that requires professional treatment.
There’s no shame in having a depressive disorder, and we need to work at ending the stigma of depression and mental illness in general. Depression hits all age groups, economic/social groups, and occurs in all areas of the country. The saddest part is it’s appearing at earlier ages than previous generations.
College students should be living the best part of their lives with a positive outlook about the world ahead of them. Instead, suicide rates have tripled since the 1950s because of stress about a variety of factors.
The infographic below, “Battling the Blues: An Overview of Depression,” was created by HealthShire to graphically present the Depression numbers in America.
While these are staggering numbers, on a positive note, 60% to 80% of depression disorders can be successfully treated with a combination of psychotherapy and/or medication.
Whether it’s a minor or major depressive disorder, the key to overcoming the illness is getting proper treatment as soon as possible and following a doctor’s recommendations. The nature, duration, and severity of symptoms will dictate the best treatment for depression, and while it may take time, evidence has shown that recovery rates are high and people can usually return to normal.
There’s no reason for anyone to live with feelings of despair and hopelessness today when there are so many forms of therapy available. Fear is the only obstacle, and it’s one that can be overcome by educating the public about the facts of this debilitating condition.
If you know somebody that is continually depressed, talk to them about getting help and show compassion about their problem. It’s not something that anyone chooses to endure, but it can be treated using proven methods.
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