Many people suffer from depression and suffer in silence because they do not know the illness they have, as depression statistics have shown. A lot of people with depressive symptoms are afraid to seek help as they think their down in the dumps feelings will make them seem weak. A great many people with feelings of depression identify the problem as everyday blues that will go away. Depression is not a weakness or a fracture in the personality armor, but a treatable disease.

Depression statistics are overwhelming, but on the positive side, depression is treatable and can be managed effectively. In some cases, it is curable. The individual suffering depressive symptoms has to recognize the problem is more than being down in the dumps for a day or two, but a serious problem that has to be addressed in a positive manner.

Depression can strike anyone at any time and can affect that person’s life in a number of ways. Depression can be triggered by any event and does not discriminate in age. Depression statistics show depression often exists with panic disorders and anxiety and with substance use. Often times, substance abuse is a result of depression rather than depression being a result of substance abuse.

In the U.S., 10% of the over the age of 18 develop depressive symptoms. The depression statistics are alarming and should be ringing the bell and calling attention to such a widespread disease.

One of the most alarming depression statistics is one in 33 children suffer from clinical depression. Children either inherit depression from their parents or from being exposed to an over stressful environment. It is essential to address the issue of depression in children early and effectively to avoid the child from carrying the problem into their later life.

Depression Statistics show women are more prone to depression then men at a rate of 2 to 1. Married women are more apt to suffer from depression than single women. Women who have given birth are likely to suffer from post partum depression.

Men suffer from depression for reasons different than women. Depression statistics show the reasons men suffer from depression is mandatory retirement, unemployment due to layoff or company downsize, divorce or separation from the immediate family. Suicidal tendencies are three times greater in men than women, even though depression is high in women than men. Men also tend to develop cardiovascular disease after being diagnosed with depression.

Elderly people suffer from depression in addition to health problems that come with advanced maturity. Elderly suffering from depression have higher suicidal tendencies than their younger counterparts. The cost to treat elderly people with depression is roughly 50% higher than their younger counterparts, including children.

People with health problems, whether it is a chronic condition or a onetime disease, have a tendency to develop depression strictly related to their illness. Depression statistics show those suffering from depression have a higher rate of heart attack and the increased possibility of dying within three months of suffering a heart attack.