Depression

Understanding Depressing

Depression is a worldwide public health issue.  Unipolar depression is ranked second in a ranking of disabling diseases in westernized countries, and is projected to reach the same ranking world wide by 2020.

*Average age of first onset of major depression:  25-29

*Likelihood of a second or more episodes of major depression:  80%

*Likelihood of a second or more episodes of minor depression:  100%

*Median number of major depressive episodes during a person’s lifetime:  4

What is going on? 

Along with anxiety, depression is the most common behavioral health problem in the U.S. affecting nearly 10% of our population.

When we think of anxiety, the focus is the future; when we think of depression we are focused on the past. Depression is about loss.

Depression is a mood problem. When we are in a normal mood, we feel comfortable. We have motivation to face the day, we enjoy our leisure time, and our physical energy is usually up to the task at hand.