Counseling and Psychological Services

Facts About Depression

This resource provides some basic facts about depression.

Preview Points

  • Depression affects more than 19 million American adults aged 18 and older; it affects almost 10 percent of American adults.
  • Fifteen percent of the population develops clinical depression at some time in their lives.
  • Depression will affect one in 10 men (10%) and one in 4 women (25%).
  • Depression and anxiety are associated with 90% of completed suicides.
  • Depression is a serious medical illness.

Contents

Depression is not uncommon in the U.S.

Symptoms of depression include the following:

    • Sadness
    • Withdrawal
    • A loss of interest in usually pleasurable activities
    • Low appetite
    • Over-eating
    • Trouble falling asleep
    • Oversleeping
    • Fatigue or having little energy
    • Feelings of guilt and anxiety, anger and agitation
    • Feelings of worthlessness and self-reproach
    • Feelings of hopelessness and helplessness
    • Trouble concentrating
    • Hyperactivity
    • Extremely slow movements
    • Thoughts of harming oneself or others
    • Difficulty concentrating on studies
    • Difficulty enjoying interpersonal relationships
    • Tearfulness

Depression itself is highly treatable. However, over 60 percent of people who die by suicide are estimated to suffer from major depression, “with no other psychiatric or physical illness.” An estimated 30 percent have alcoholism, and half of those with alcoholism suffer depression as well.
Intense emotional states may indicate a suicide crisis from individuals who suffer from depression. These emotional states include “intense desperation, hopelessness, rage, abandonment, self-hatred or anxiety”.

People will “present differently” when they are struggling or experiencing mental health issues. They may be more worried about physical concerns than emotional or behavioral ones. Untreated depression may lead to an individual feeling overwhelmed and unable to think clearly.

Concluding Points

  • Depression has high risk effects for suicide, particularly if there are external stressor events.
  • Depression may lead a person to think he or she has no options; it affects cognition negatively.
  • Depression is treatable by mental health professionals.