(Click the picture for more information)* 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.
* The rate of increase of [childhood depression] is an astounding 23% p.a.
* 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 new estimates are higher.
* 41% of depressed women are too embarrassed to seek help.
* 80% of depressed people are not currently having any [depression treatment].
* 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.
Pretty crazy stuff huh? It blew my mind to know that so many people suffer from depression and do not do anything about it. And why should anyone feel ashamed of their feelings? Are you ashamed when you are happy? Or when you are angry? Or when you cry? Then why do so many people feel ashamed of their depression so much so as to not seek any help?
Well I wasn't going to become another statistic. After doing my research I got help, too. I strongly encourage anyone who is reading this to do your own research and then get the help you should, you need, you deserve!
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