Depression Facts

Depression is one of the most common psychological illnesses in the United States and worldwide. It’s affects can be felt amongst men and woman, across rich and poor households and span all ages and ethnic groups. Anyone can be impacted by depression. We may know someone with depression. We may be dealing with depression ourselves. Let’s learn about some of the statistics regarding depression, and more importantly, what the word of God says about those who are impacted by this illness.

Although it is difficult to know the true rates of depression, worldwide about 12% of individuals will be affected by depression in a lifetime. (1)  In resource rich countries, such as the United States and Europe, rates are higher. In the United States, about 20% of men and women deal with major depression in a lifetime (2) Those who are widowed, divorced or separated tend to have higher rates of depression reaching levels of 26%. Native Americans seem to have the highest rates of depression at 28%. (2) Women can be affected by depression at rates twice that of men. Those in low-income homes have been found to suffer from depression at greater rates as well.

These statistics are imperfect and likely under-represents the true rates and impact of depression across all countries. In truth, depression reaches across all ages, genders, ethnic group and socioeconomic backgrounds. It is important to be aware of your emotions and life challenges so that you may seek help and prayer at the right time. Despite these statistics, depression will not have any power over you.  You will defy the statistics and live a life full of joy. Remember, “The LORD is close to the broken hearted; He rescues those whose spirits are crushed.” (Psalms 34:18 NLT) He knows all things that are hidden and unspoken. He intimately knows you pain. And He longs to make your better.

REFERENCES

1. Kessler RC, Ormel J, Petukhova M, McLaughlin KA, Green JG, Russo LJ, Stein DJ, Zaslavsky AM, Aguilar-Gaxiola S, Alonso J, Andrade L, Benjet C, de Girolamo G, de Graaf R, Demyttenaere K, Fayyad J, Haro JM, Hu Cy, Karam A, Lee S, Lepine JP, Matchsinger H, Mihaescu-Pintia C, Posada-Villa J, Sagar R, Ustün TB. Development of lifetime comorbidity in the World Health Organization world mental health surveys. Arch Gen Psychiatry. 2011 Jan;68(1):90-100.
3. Hasin DS, Sarvet AL, Meyers JL, Saha TD, Ruan WJ, Stohl M, Grant BF. Epidemiology of Adult DSM-5 Major Depressive Disorder and Its Specifiers in the United States. JAMA Psychiatry. 2018 Apr 1;75(4):336-346.