Depression Statistics:
What they Mean and How to Find Them

Depression statistics: How many suffer from depression
in various age groups, how many depression related suicides
were reported in a given year, and more...

Depression statistics: Basic information

• Each year, approximately 13 – 18 million Americans will suffer some form of depressive illness
• It is believed that at least sixteen percent (16%) of all adults will develop depression at some stage in their lives
• Depression increases the risk of dying for heart attack sufferers four-fold
• Women are twice as likely as men to suffer from depression
• Over 2.5 percent of children in America suffer from depression
• Approximately 8.3 percent of American teenagers suffer from depression
• It is believed that white males over eighty years old (80 years old) are six-times more likely to commit suicide than any other ethnic group
• Only about 10% of those suffering from elderly depression will seek medical help
• Only 80% of persons suffering from depression actively seek help
• Roughly 92% of African American men do not seek help for depression

Depression suicide: The statistics are staggering

The statistics on depression suicide are frightening and show how important getting help is. Most persons who suffer from depression tend to have suicidal thoughts and the available statistics on depression suicide backs this up.

Statistics show:

• Fifteen percent of women suffering from depression will commit suicide
• Men commit suicide three times more often than women
• 25% of all depression suicides are committed by the elderly
• The third leading cause of death in the age group 15 – 24 is suicide
• Adolescent boys who are suffering from depression and are addicted to alcohol or drugs are more likely to commit suicide

The above depression statistics are just the tip of the iceberg.

It is believed that preschoolers represent the fastest growing market in the US for anti-depressants.

Back from Depression Statistics
to Depression Help Treatment

Dealing with Depression Advice

Schedule play time

We spend a lot of time catering to other people.

How much of your day do you spend running errands that are family related, serving on different school or church committees, or acting for the best interest of your kids, setting aside any time that you might have to spend on yourself to take care of their needs?

An overloaded schedule can cause depression.

Schedule some time for yourself to do whatever you want. Take a hot bath or just read a book. Maybe you've wanted to see the new exhibit at the museum but you know that the rest of your family would be bored with it. Go by yourself and eat what ever you want to for lunch!

For more ideas, read "Seven steps to a depression free life," by Nancy Miller.