New Staggering Statistics on Depression

It’s Mental Illness Awareness Week, October 2 through 8, and Mental Health America (MH) just released some surprising new statistics about depression in America. The numbers are drawn from one of nine screens available within MHA’s online screening program, which began in 2014, and has been used by 1.7 million people. 

Some notable findings include: 

• 66% of screeners are under 25; 32% are under 18
• 59% are found to have serious depression
• 37% of 11-17 year olds score in the range for severe depression
• 32% of all screeners report they have significant thoughts of suicide or self-harm
• Among screeners who self-identify as youth and LGBT, 41% score for severe depression

Spotting the Signs of Depression
While the symptoms of depression are different in everyone, there are a few warning signs you should keep an eye out for, according to the National Institute of Mental Health: 

• Feeling sad or "empty"
• Feeling hopeless, irritable, anxious, or guilty
• Loss of interest in favorite activities
• Feeling very tired
• Inability to concentrate or remember details
• Trouble sleep or sleeping too much
• Overeating, or lack of appetite 
• Aches or pains, headaches, cramps, or digestive problems
• Thoughts of suicide, suicide attempts

Don’t let the stigma surrounding mental illness stop you or someone you love from asking for help, seeing a therapist, or even acknowledging that you might be depressed. If left untreated, depression can lead to suicide, and tragically, suicide is the third leading cause of death among people aged 15 to 24. 

Addiction and Clinical Depression Treatment
Young adults often self-medicate to deal with their mental illness and become addicted to these medications on top of alcohol and other drugs. Mixing substances is a dangerous and potentially lethal way to deal with depression. Hope Academy is one of few CA addiction treatment centers equipped to treat dual-diagnosis patients. To learn more, call: 866-930-4673.