Some Depressing Statistics on Depression
According to Australian Government statistics, “Everyone will, at some time in their life, be affected by depression; either their own, or someone else in their family.”
Statistics for depression in Australia are comparable with those of the United States of America and the United Kingdom.
15% of the population of most developed countries suffers from severe depression.
Depression disorders affect 9.5% of the population aged 18 and older in any given year. This includes major disorder, dysthymic disorder, and bipolar disorder.
Pre-schoolers are the fastest growing market for anti-depressants. At least 4% of pre-schoolers are clinically depressed.
The rate of increase of depression among children is an outstanding 23% per year.
30% of women are depressed. Men’s figures were thought to be half of that of women but new estimates are higher.
54% of people believe that depression is a sign of weakness. This is despite the fact that many famous people, including Abraham Lincoln and Sir Winston Churchill, were known to suffer from depression. [Sign up for the free mini-course about famous people and their depression.]
41% of women are too embarrassed to seek help.
80% of depressed people are currently not having any treatment.
15% of depressed people commit suicide.
Depression will be the second largest killer, after heart disease, by 2020.
Studies show that depression is a contributory factor to fatal coronary disease.
What effect does this disorder have upon our productivity as well as our working, social, and family environment? It must be HUGE!
What can we do to help ourselves and our love ones to overcome the misery of depression and lead a happy and contented life? There are some very useful resources that have helped me, listed in the sidebar. Plus we could start off with some “healthy hugs”.
HEALTHY HUGS
Did you know that some people consider hugs to be the ultimate anti-depressant? The good thing is that it is hard to give a hug without getting one back. 
Learn how to overcome and cure depression here.
September 7th, 2007 at 7:55 am
It is quite disturbing about the amount of young children suffering from depression. I would not have thought that young kids would be affected by depression, but obviously I am wrong.
September 10th, 2007 at 6:02 am
Hey There,
I can tell you that the power of hug works very well in getting people out of depression. Just look at kids, whenever they are sad or moody. They always ask for hugs and they always get better after that!
Only thing is adults link hugs to affection and that builds up a barrier that limits the hugs they receive.
Cheers
James
September 11th, 2007 at 2:33 am
James, that is a very good point that you raise about the kids and hugs.
October 14th, 2007 at 6:42 am
I was interested to read about kids and hugs. Recently my daughter had a day at school where the children celebrated “World Hug Day”. When my husband picked her up from school that day the positive energy at the school was quite remarkable. He said that every child participating was smiling, happy and full of life. As a parent, all I want my children to be is happy with their life, whatever they choose to do or be. I will ensure that from now on I hug them more often. Thanks for such a simple, easy and beautiful gift to share.
March 23rd, 2008 at 12:31 pm
Eric…
Here’s a very good authority site and articles…