Age Group and Depression
Age groups affected by depression
Data shows depression rates soaring amongst kids as young as 12 years old and young adults up to 25 years old. No age group over the age of 25 has a depression rate higher than 10%, but all of the younger groups do. The rate amongst college-age adults (20-21 years old) has increased the most.
The amount of people affected by depression each year
The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) estimates that 19.4 million adults, or 7.8% of all adults in the United States, had at least one episode of major depression in 2019.
· Approximately 7.1% of adults in the US have experienced at least one major depressive episode
· Approximately 13.3% of the US population from 12-17 years of age, have experienced at least one major depressive episode
· Anxiety and depression disorders are closely related. Nearly 50% of those diagnosed with depression are also diagnosed with an anxiety disorder
· Depression is the leading cause of disability in the United States among people between the ages of 15-44 years old
· Women are twice as likely as men to be diagnosed with depression
· Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death amongst those 10-14 years old and the 3rd amongst 15-24 years old and is the 12th leading cause of deaths in the US
· Among those who died by suicide, 46% were diagnosed with a mental health condition and 90% experienced symptoms of a mental health condition
· 79% of all people who die by suicide are male
· Lesbian, gay, and bisexual youth are 4 times more likely to attempt suicide than straight youth
· Members of the transgender community are 9 times more likely to attempt suicide in their lifetime than those in the general population
· In 2020, more than 12 million people had thoughts of suicide
If you or someone you know is experiencing mental health issues or having suicidal thoughts, help IS available. Call or Text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.
For More on Statistical Facts:
https://www.nami.org/NAMI/media/NAMI-Media/Infographics/NAMI_Suicide_2022_FINAL.pdf
https://europepmc.org/article/MED/35776900
https://www.nami.org/About-Mental-Illness/Mental-Health-by-the-Numbers/Infographics-Fact-Sheets