For a long time, the main attitude towards depression is to ignore what is bothering you and concentrate on other diversionary things. However, with the growing cases of depression, society is coming face-to-face with the real impact of depression. Society is now willing to have discussions about depressions as a real disease. A study by Yale University shows that more Americans suffer periodic depression that earlier thought.

Depression is loosely defined as losing interest in important parts of life. Its symptoms include withdrawing from people and usual activities, eating or sleeping too much or too little, having low energy, feeling unusually confused, angry, forgetful, upset, scared, and worried.

Past research has shown that 17% of women and 10% of men in America suffer or once suffered from major depressive episodes (MDEs). Recent findings, however, suggest that these numbers are higher than earlier projected. Research shows that close to 30% of American women and 17% of American men have a history of major depressive episodes (MDEs). Inconsistencies in previous studies have been attributed to “recall error,” or memory lapses while reporting one’s medical history.

For recent studies, researcher relied on a simulation model that is able to produce lifetime depression estimates. “Major depressive episodes are far more common than we thought,” said Jamie Tam, Ph.D., head researcher and assistant professor in the Department of Health Policy and Management. “Our model shows that the probability of someone having a first major depressive episode is especially high during adolescence.

Number of people suffering depression

There has been exponential growth in the cases of clinical depression in recent decades to epidemic levels. It is found in suburbs, inner cities, refugee camps, classrooms, and even boardrooms. According to a report by the World Health Organisation, up to 300 million people, or around 4% of the global, population suffers from depression. The report further adds that women are bigger victims of depression compared to men. Depressing is a leading global killer and ranked 10^th among the leading causes of early death. There is a big link between suicide and depression, among especially among children aged 15-29.