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 âsnap out of it.â Depression is debilitating and can be life threatening, but it can be effectively treated. The information in this chunk 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 lifetime
Women 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 2nd 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 Up to 15 percent of people with depressive disorders may attempt suicide
Men tend to commit suicide early while women commit suicide late during depression World Health Organisation figures show a suicide takes place somewhere in the world every 40 seconds.
The numbers are highest in Europe’s Baltic states, where around 40 people per 100,000 commit suicide each year.
“Suicide is a major public health problem and accounts for 1.5% of the total cost of disease to world society,” said Jose Bertolote, mental health specialist at the WHO.
While men make up most suicides, more women actually attempt to take their own lives.
There are an estimated 10-to-20 million attempted suicides each year.
