Depression Stats & Symptoms
Depression Doubles in 50 Years
Types of Depression
Bipolar Depression
Childhood Bipolar
Teen Depression
Mood Hormones
Serotonin Depression
Melatonin & Depression
Recognizing Symptoms
Talking with Loved Ones
Depression Treatments
Light Therapy & Depression
Natural Supplements
Food Cravings
Sleep & Depression
24-Hour Relief
Circadian Balance
SAD
Depression
Assesment Test
Sleep
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Depression: Statistics & Symptoms
Depression is a loss of mood that lasts for at least two weeks. It is generally the result of a body chemistry imbalance caused by trauma, illness, hormonal changes, substance abuse, lack of light and other causes. Because of its chemical nature, depression is almost impossible to overcome without intervention. One simply cannot ‘snap out of it.’ Depression is debilitating and can be life threatening, but it can be effectively treated. The information on this site is intended to provide the most effective resources in helping people overcome depressive disorders.
- Depression has more than doubled in the last 50 years
- Almost 20 million Americans suffer, and twice that will suffer in their lifetimeWomen suffer from depressive disorders at twice the rate of men
- One in four women will suffer from depression in her lifetime
- By the year 2010, depression will be the 2 nd most common health problem in the US (behind heart disease)
- Depression is one of the most treatable illnesses: 80-90% find relief
- Although depression is successfully treated, majority of sufferers do not seek help
- 15 percent of people with depressive disorders commit suicide
- Mend tend to commit suicide early while women commit suicide late during depression
Depression Symptoms
- Prolonged feelings of sadness or feeling down
- Significant changes in appetite or weight
- Sleep disturbances: insomnia or oversleeping
- Irritability, anger, worry, agitation, anxiety
- Feelings of worthlessness, pessimism or uncaring
- Lack of energy
- Headaches, body aches or pains
- Inability to accomplish work or tasks
- Memory loss or inability to concentrate
- Loss of interest in pleasurable activities
- Social withdrawal
- Suicidal thoughts
If someone experiences a few or more of these symptoms for more than a couple of weeks, he/she should consult a physician. Only a competent physician should diagnose depression, as depressive symptoms may sometimes be caused by other health problems. |