Depression

Depression is a mood disorder that causes a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest. Clinical depression affects how you think, feel and behave and can lead to a variety of emotional and physical problems.

• Only half of all Americans experiencing an episode of major depression receive treatment.
• 8--90% of people that seek treatment for depression are treated successfully using therapy and/or medication.
• Depression affects 20-25% of Americans ages 18+ in a given year.
• Females experience depression at roughly 2x the rate of men.
• Up to 3% of children and 8% of adolescents in the US suffer from depression.
• Depression is significantly more common in boys under 10.  But by age 16, girls have a greater incidence of depression.
• Children with a family history of depression are at greater risk of experiencing depression.
• Children from chaotic or conflicted families, or children who abuse substances are also at a greater risk of depression.
• Depression in children (teens) can manifest as irritability and/or anger.
• Depression in younger children can manifest itself in physical or bodily symptoms.

• Physical health
• Life events
• Family history
• Environment
• Genetic vulnerability
• Smartphone addiction

• Changing to a new school
• Conflict at home
• Dealing with bullying
• Dealing with a medical issue
• Parental separation or divorce
• Starting school
• Academic stress
• Athletic performance pressure
• Dating relationships
• Sleep deprivation

• Sadness
• Irritability
• Clingliness
• Worry
• Aches and pains
• Refusing to go to school
• Being underweight
• Self-harm
• Decreased interest in favorite activities
• Avoidance of social interaction
• Difficulty initiating and/or maintaining social relationships
• Feeling negative and worthless
• Anger
• Poor performance at school
• Feeling misunderstood
• Extremely sensitive
• Experimenting with drugs and/or alcohol
• Eating or sleeping too much
• Increased frequency or severity of tantrums
• Obsessive fears or worries about death
• Increased risk taking behaviors
• Trouble making decisions

• Feelings of sadness, emptiness or hopelessness
• Angry outbursts, irritability or frustration even over small matters
• Sleep disturbances
• Tiredness and lack of energy
• Reduced or increased appetite
• Anxiety, agitation or restlessness
• Slowed thinking, speaking or body movements
• Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
• Fixating on past failures or self blame
• Trouble thinking, concentrating, remembering things
• Frequent or recurrent thoughts of death, suicidal thoughts or attempts
• Unexplained physical problems