Explore the Facts:
Major Depression & Suicide
What is Major Depression?
Major depression is a serious medical illness affecting 9.9 million American adults, or
approximately 5 percent of the adult population in a given year. Unlike normal emotional
experiences of sadness, loss, or passing mood states, major depression is persistent and
can significantly interfere with an individual’s thoughts, behavior, mood, activity, and
physical health. Among all medical illnesses, major depression is the leading cause of
disability in the U.S. and many other developed countries.
More than twice as many women (6.7 million) as men (3.2 million) suffer from major
depressive disorder each year. Major depression can occur at any age including childhood,
the teenage years and adulthood. All ethnic, racial and socioeconomic groups suffer from
depression. About three-fourths of those who experience a first episode of depression will
have at least one other episode in their lives. Some individuals may have several episodes
in the course of a year. If untreated, episodes commonly last anywhere from six months to
a year. Left untreated, depression can lead to suicide.
Major depression, also known as clinical depression or unipolar depression, is only one type
of depressive disorder. Other depressive disorders include dysthymia (chronic, less severe
depression) and bipolar depression (the depressed phase of bipolar disorder or manic
depression). People who have bipolar disorder experience both depression and mania. Mania
involves abnormally and persistently elevated mood or irritability, elevated self-esteem, and
excessive energy, thoughts, and talking.
NEXT: What are the Symptoms of Major
Depression? |
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DEPRESSION
& SUICIDE LINKS
What is Major Depression?
What are the Symptoms of Major Depression?
What are the Causes of Major Depression?
How is Major Depression Treated?
Risk Factors for Suicide
Warning Signs of Suicide
ADDITIONAL
RESOURCES:
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention |
