Interesting College Depression Statistics

More than just “the blues,” clinical depression is distinct in that symptoms are of a severity that disrupts one’s daily routine. Often ubiquitous, these symptoms include decreased energy, fluctuating body weight, depleted concentration, irritability, bouts of crying, and thoughts of suicide.

Depression is on the rise—those born after 1950 are 10 times as likely to experience depression as compared to their predecessors. Adolescent groups possess the fastest rate of depression growth.

According to the CDC, 7.8% of men and 12.3% of women ages 18-24 report frequent mental distress: a key indicator for depression and other mental disorders.

Depression affects over 19 million Americans annually. An estimated 20% of the U.S. population will experience clinical depression some point in their lifetime.

According to a recent national college health survey, 10% of college students have been diagnosed with depression, including 13% of college women.

Causing inestimable pain, depression unnecessarily consumes both the life of the sufferer, and those closest to the sufferer. Unfortunately, most do not receive treatment for this treatable ailment.

Hart, A. D., Weber, C. H. (2002). Unveiling depression in women: A practical guide to understanding and overcoming depression, Grand Rapids: Fleming H. Revell, 23.
National Mental Health Association, (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.nmha.org/camh/college/index.cfm
Hart, A. D., Weber, C. H. (2002). Unveiling depression in women: A practical guide to understanding and overcoming depression, Grand Rapids: Fleming H. Revell, 23.
National Mental Health Association, (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.nmha.org/camh/college/index.cfm
Margaret Strock, et al., “Depression,” National Institute of Health Publication No. 00-3561 (2000): (originally published 1994 as “Plain Talk About Depression”) [journal online]; available from http://www.nimh.nih.gov/publicat/depression.cfm; Internet.