Experts and researchers often describe depression as the disease of our time. According to the UK’s National Institutes of Health, depression is a condition that can cause severe symptoms affecting how you feel, think, and carry out daily activities.
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Common symptoms of depression include fatigue, difficulty concentrating, irritability, changes in appetite, sleep disturbances, social withdrawal, and physical symptoms such as unexplained headaches, digestive issues, or other aches and pains, according to psychiatrist Dr. Judith Joseph in USA Today.
Data published by the National Center for Health Statistics at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on Wednesday showed that more than one in eight people aged 12 and older in the United States has experienced depression in recent years. The prevalence of depression nearly doubled, rising from 7.3% in 2015–2016 to over 13% between 2021 and 2023, according to CNN.
If you think you or someone you love may be struggling with depression, here’s what mental health professionals want you to know:
What Causes Depression?
Depression can affect anyone—regardless of age, race, cultural background, education, or income—according to the National Institutes of Health. Research suggests there may be a genetic component, but environmental factors also play a key role.
Dr. Joseph says: “People who have experienced trauma or live in stressful social environments may be more likely to develop depression or anxiety. So it’s both biological and environmental. Not everyone with a family history of depression or anxiety will develop it, and not everyone who has it has a family history.”
Women Seek Treatment More Than Men
According to the latest surveys, a vast majority—almost 88%—of adults and teens with depression reported that symptoms interfered with work, home life, or social activities. Nearly one-third described the impact as “very difficult to extremely difficult.”
However, only about 40% of those affected received therapy or treatment, according to the new CDC report. Women were more likely than men to seek help: about 43% of women compared to 33% of men.
Adult women were also more than twice as likely as men to take prescription antidepressants. In 2023, around 11.4% of U.S. adults took prescribed depression medications, but this number was over 15% for women and just 7.4% for men.
Even though depression rates are higher among younger age groups, the CDC reports that middle-aged adults were more likely than younger adults to take antidepressant medications. More than 12% of adults aged 45 to 74 did so in 2023, compared to under 11% of adults aged 18 to 44, according to CNN.
Can Depression Be Treated?
Experts note that for those diagnosed with anxiety or depression, the condition may not fully go away—but there are many tools to help manage the symptoms.
Dr. Joseph emphasizes: “It’s important to recognize that these are conditions that need to be managed. It’s also essential to practice daily preventive habits to avoid worsening depression.”
Doctors recommend the following approaches to help reduce depression:
1. Psychotherapy
Different types of therapy, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and motivational therapy, may be effective for different individuals. Dr. Joseph notes that therapy appointments help address underlying issues like unresolved trauma and poor coping skills.
2. Medication
Commonly prescribed antidepressants include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like sertraline or citalopram, serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), and other atypical antidepressants, according to NYU Langone Health.
3. Lifestyle Modifications
Getting enough sleep, managing stress, following a healthy diet, and exercising have all been proven to help alleviate symptoms of depression.
Dr. Joseph stresses: “Sleep is crucial. Many people work late hours and use their devices late into the night. They find it hard to wind down and are constantly scrolling online.”
4. Seek Support
Dr. Joseph advises: “Strengthening social connections and seeking support from friends, family, or support groups is important.” Talking to a loved one or a therapist, or even journaling your thoughts, can also be beneficial.
5. Be Honest with Yourself
Dr. Joseph adds: “Acknowledge and accept your emotions. Many people go through their day without admitting how they feel. They work through lunch while hungry, smile when they’re sad, and hide their true emotions. If you can’t recognize or express your feelings, how can you address them?”
