Major Depression is a widespread mental illness throughout the US. It affects millions of people and chances are high that someone of your friends or family struggles with it right now. Major depression is even the most common mental illness in the US. To give you a better picture of the current situation, we scanned the latest statistics and created a nice infographic for you.
Major Depression in the US explained
More than 17.3 million people are living with major depression in the US. This is twice the population of New York or about 4 times the population of Los Angeles.
7.1% of all US adults are affected. Especially individuals aged between 18 and 25 have the highest risk to be affected. More than 1 person out of 10 suffers from major depression.
The risk decreases by age. 6.7% are affected between 26 and 49, and 4.7% are affected aged 50 plus.
According to the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, the states Rhode Island, Maine and Utah have the highest numbers for major depression. Hawaii, Arizona and Nevada have the lowest numbers.
Women are more likely to suffer from major depression than men. 8.7% of all women are affected. 5.3% of men are affected. Statistics even indicate that women are more than twice as likely as men to be affected.
15% of all US citizens will experience at least once in their lifetime major depression.
Impacts of living with it
Affected people often lose interest in people, hobbies and things (86%). They lose the connection to other people (72%) and things (64%). Additionally, nearly half of them (53%) feel isolated. In 22% of all cases, major depression is the reason for the end of their relationship.
People with major depression have shorter lives. On average the life expectancy is reduced by 10 years!
Major depression is a common but serious mood disorder. It causes severe symptoms that affect how you feel, think, and handle daily activities, such as sleeping, eating, or working.
National Institute of Mental Health
Depression looks different in different people. Common symptoms are low mood, decreased interest, decreased pleasure, lethargy, changes in appetite, difficulty concentrating, sleep disturbances, loss of energy, fatigue, loss of energy, agitation and restlessness, recurring thoughts of death, significant changes in weight, feelings of sadness or emptiness, feelings of worthlessness or guilt.
Although treatment is very effective, only 50% receive it. The sooner it starts, the better. In many cases, treatment includes medications and psychotherapy supported by other methods such as e.g. CBT (cognitive behavioural therapy). It is crucial that treatment is individualized – what works for one person might not work for the other.
