How common is depression?

Question

How common is depression as it seems lately every second third person i come across seems to be complaining of feeling fed up & blue & i have started feeling the same way myself just lately

Answer 1

more common than you think.

Answer 2

Now, a new study says 16 percent of American adults -- approximately 30 million people -- suffer from depression at some point in their lives. But only about half of those people get some sort of treatment, according to a study in the Journal of the American Medical Association.

Depression is so common that over 1 in 5 Americans can expect to get some form of depression in their lifetime. Over 1 in 20 Americans have a depressive disorder every year. Women are almost twice as likely as men to experience a depressive episode throughout their lives.

Answer 3

Hello Kitkat...Depression is very common. Millions of people have it around the world. But it is very important to differentiate depression from sadness. Sadness is something that any human being can have. Good and bad days. However depression is not the blues. Depression is a real and serious condition in which the person has this symptoms: lack of concentration, lack of energy, feelings of worthlessness, suicidal thoughts, etc.
(I am a depression sufferer) [e-mail]

Answer 4

Depression is very common this time of year especially. The numbers you are reporting are right on. About 1 in 3 people report some symptoms of depression. Winter months also cause a disorder from lack of sunlight.

Answer 5

Everyone feels depressed from time to time. The problem is differentiating depression that is caused by stress or unfourtunate circumstance from depression that is caused by a chemical imbalance. I believe the statistic is that about 7% of people suffer from some sort of depression. Though any sort of depression should warrant some form of treatment, depression does not automatically equal mental illness. Depression can be a perfectly resonable and expected reaction to certain events. These kinds of depression can be greatly helped through support groups and cognitive therapy. Medications, in addition to support and cognitive therapy can be a good option for those who suffer from unexplained long-term depression that is likely caused by a chemical imbalance. If you are feeling depressed for any reason definately bring it up with your doctor, he or she can recommend a good course of treatment that will have you feeling better.

Answer 6

Depression is fairly common, but a lot of people who are feeling blue or claim they are depressed are not actually suffering from clinical depression, a lot of people use "depressed" synonymously with "sad". Also, its winter right now, its more common for people to feel down because of the shorter days.

Answer 7

Apparently it's very common. I suffered from severe clinical depression just last year. I actually got delusional and couldn't control myself from panic attacks. Every thought I had related to death, and the irony is, I've always been a very happy person to everyone around me before the ordeal, and now I'm back to normal.

I think the word depression that you're referring to is just overused, as everyday slang for the blues, which are very temporary. :)

Answer 8

Depression runs in my family--and many families. It is often inherited, and said to be a chemical imbalance in the brain.

However, I do not think that everyone who is sad is depressed. It is normal to be sad and grieve losses. It is not normal to sit in your bed for weeks, unable to sleep--but unable to do anything else, either. It is not normal to eat everything in sight--or to eat nothing (which depression can do, too). It is definitely not normal to have suicidal feelings.

In teenagers, quite often it's their changing bodies and raging hormones doing the thing that appears to be depression. There is also a lot of social pressure and stress during the teen years--as well as a lot of school work to contend with. Some teens, additionally need to care for younger siblings while parents work.

Doctors are definitely over-prescribing psych meds of all kinds. Some people absolutely need them--but not every person who walks into the doctor's office. I don't think that doctors and clinics are thoroughly screening and diagnosing patients as well as they should be.

I also don't think enough people are going to therapy. Those who are, in many cases, don't even tell the therapist what is really bothering them--I don't get this--they are there to help people--so why lie to them??? They are not allowed to disclose hardly anything that is said to them in confidence (except those who may be homicidal or suicidal, etc).

Evaluate your situation--keep a private journal of your feelings each day. Check out books on depression from the library. You can also go to:

http://www.about.com

and type in "mental health" in their search box in the upper right corner. There, you can take anonymous quizzes to see if you have any problems with depression and other mental disorders. You can order e-newsletters from them (if you want to), or just read onsite.

Please be better, check yourself out. If necessary, go to a doctor or clinic. :)

Answer 9

It is very common and more and more people are finally recognizing the symptoms and admitting that they have them. Many years ago, it was almost a taboo to admit you were depressed and had sought treatement, but not anymore. And, honey if you are feeling this way, go see your physician and nip it in the bud before it gets worse. I am one of those folks who has been treated for years and it has helped greatly. Good luck and God Bless!!!

Answer 10

I think living in today's world is a lot more stressful then ever. Take me for example. Ive been away from home for such a long time. I come back from deployment in may finally. then I get shipped out again later this year. I only get to spend a little time with my wife. So ya depression fo us military folks is common. sorry to say

Answer 11

About 7% of people have it, which is 13 to 14 million people in any given year. So that means, if you have it, you're certainly not alone. Everyone experiences "ups" and "downs" in their life. But for some people the "downs" can outweigh the "ups." Call your doctor, or visit http://www.depression.com/ if you have any questions about treatment. Feel better!