Question

Depression-Please add at least two pieces of information that you found interesting on this mental health disability, based on the readings, NAMI website, or your own research. Note: If you research using an outside website, please include the link for reference purposes.

Answer 1

Depression is both a brain disorder and a state of mind. The brain is unique—it is the only organ whose function we consciously experience because the brain is the organ of the mind. Illnesses of the mind-brain affect tens of millions of people in the United States. Depression is by far the most prevalent, representing 99% of all mind-brain illness. (Schizophrenia and major psychotic illness represent the remaining 1%).The umbrella of depression encompasses Major Depressive Disorder and its related mood disorders including bipolar disorder, postpartum depression, post-traumatic stress syndrome, anxiety disorder and suicide.

Depression is a leading cause of disability.The World Health Organization considers depression to be a leading cause of disability worldwide. “People routinely say that depression is the worst thing that’s happened to them. And the reason that’s offered is that their brains don’t work properly. They can’t make decisions and they aren’t sure of themselves — everything requires huge mental effort.

Depression in the United States :-

Affects over 18 million adults (one in ten) in any given year.

Is the leading cause of disability for ages 15-44.

Is the primary reason why someone dies of suicide about every 12 minutes. – over 41,000 people a year.

In comparison: homicide claims less than 16,000 lives each year, according to 2013 CDC statistics.

Depression Internationally…

Affects over 300 million people worldwide, regardless of culture, age, gender, religion, race or economic status.

Is one of the most debilitating conditions on the world, with severe depression rated in the same disability category as terminal stage cancer.

Is the leading cause of disability worldwide, and is a major contributor to the overall global burden of disease.

Source :- www.dosomething.org

Article :- 11 facts about depression

Thanks