Who Experiences Major Depression?
In the U.S., approximately 10% of people suffer from major depression at any one time and 20%-25% suffer an episode of major depression at some point during their lifetimes. Most people associate depression with adults, but it also occurs in children and the elderly — two populations in which it often goes undiagnosed and untreated. Approximately twice as many women as men suffer from major depression. This is partially because of hormonal changes throughout a woman’s life: During menstruation, pregnancy, miscarriage and menopause. Other contributing factors include increased responsibilities in both professional and home lives — balancing work while taking care of a household, raising a child alone, or even caring for an aging parent. However, depression in men may also be under-reported. Men who suffer from major depression are less likely to seek help or even talk about their experience. Signs of depression in men are more often irritability, anger, or drug and alcohol abuse. Repr
