Facts About Depression

Depression is generally regarded as one of the most common mental health conditions in the world. The symptoms of this condition can vary on an individual basis, ranging from cognitive symptoms (such as trouble concentrating) to physical ones—such as headaches or physical pain. 

Regardless of the symptoms experienced, depression can be challenging to live with, potentially affecting many aspects of a person’s life and well-being. This article discusses five of the most important facts about depression and explores possible signs that you or a loved one might benefit from the support of a mental health professional.

1. Depression is generally considered a growing problem

The prevalence of depression by continent can be broken down as follows: 

• South America - 20.6%
• Asia - 16.9%
• North America - 13.4%
• Europe - 11.9%
• Africa - 11.5%

Many find that depression is generally widespread in countries with a high HDI (Human Development Index), so countries with robust economic and education systems can still experience the condition. 

2. Depression can affect women more frequently

When looking at the prevalence of depression as it relates to one’s gender identity, many may find that the condition can be significantly more prominent in women than men. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimate that the condition affects 1 in 10 women in the United States alone; possibly prompting a higher figure worldwide. 

Although socioeconomic and cultural factors can play a significant role in depression's growing numbers, biological differences are also believed by many to be responsible for this disparity. 

For example, depression rates are statistically suggested to increase in young females after puberty and menstruation; and women can also be susceptible to developing related conditions (such as postpartum depression).

3. Age can make a difference with depression

Depression can develop at a young age, suggesting that depression can increase during puberty. In the United States alone, 3.2 million individuals ranging from the ages of 12 to 17 have experienced depression. 

4. Depression can coexist with other conditions

Many people who are diagnosed with depression might also experience additional mental health conditions, including: 

• Anxiety disorders
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
• Eating disorders
• Body dysmorphia
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Substance use disorder

Anxiety disorders are suggested to be comorbid in around 50 percent of depression cases. OCD and depression can also be comorbid as they have similar biological markers. Additionally, the existence of depressive symptoms can indicate that an individual is living with bipolar disorder when symptoms of mania or hypomania are also present. 

Eating disorders can also be common to find with a concurrent diagnosis of depression; not only as a cause but also as a symptom. Depression can cause changes in one's appetite and make someone change weight rapidly.

Depression can also increase the risk of substance use. Experts estimate that approximately 30 percent of people living with depression may excessively depend on alcohol, or may use drinking to cope with their symptoms. Conversely, if an individual develops a substance use disorder first, they can be 2 to 3 times more likely to develop depression.

If you believe that you are experiencing depression or any other concurrent symptoms, you may consider speaking with a therapist or your general practitioner. They can help you determine the best possible course of action to address your needs. 

5. Many believe that depression is undertreated

Despite its prevalence, depression can often go untreated—and might, therefore become a chronic condition for many. This, in turn, can increase the risk of suicide. 

Depression might be undertreated for a variety of reasons, including:

• Individuals not seeking support for their mental health due to busy schedules or fear
• Lack of education about mental health overall
• Inadequate appropriate resources
• Financial constraints 

If you or a loved one is experiencing a mental health condition such as depression, reaching out for help from a professional can be helpful. However, because the symptoms of depression can include a lack of motivation, finding the time or energy to attend therapy sessions in person might be difficult. 

Is online therapy effective?

In a study conducted by the University of Zurich, researchers discovered details that suggest that online psychotherapy interventions had similar outcomes to face-to-face interventions when treating moderate cases of adult depression. 

Per the linked study, approximately 57% of those in the online psychotherapy intervention group no longer met the criteria for depression at the conclusion of virtual treatment, compared to 42% of participants in the control group.