Counseling and Wellness

Facts about depression

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  • Everyone will, at some time in their life, be affected by depression (either their own or someone else's), according to Australian Government statistics. Depression statistics in Australia are comparable to those of the US and UK.

  • The average age of onset is in the late 20s.

  • Clinical depression is the leading cause of disability in the US and other countries.

  • Depression will be the second largest killer after heart disease by 2020 -- and studies show depression is a contributory factor to fatal coronary disease.

  • Depressive disorders affect approximately 18.8 million American adults or about 9.5% of the U.S. population age 18 and older in a given year. This includes major depressive disorder, dysthymic disorder, and bipolar disorder.

  • Depression often co-occurs with anxiety disorders and substance dependence.

  • 30% of women are depressed.

  • 41% of depressed women are too embarrassed to seek help.

  • 80% of depressed people are not currently having any treatment.

  • 92% of depressed African-American males do not seek treatment.

  • 15% of depressed people will commit suicide.

Resources that can help
  • UAB Student Affairs
  • Address: Hill University Center, Birmingham, AL 35233
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