Several recent studies show that the rate of depression in the US is rising. Blue Cross Blue Shield recently released a report showing that among its more than 40 million customers, depression increased by 33 percent between 2013 and 2016. Although women are about twice as likely to suffer depression as men, both men and women showed the same increase. That’s a significant increase in a short time. The increase is greatest among younger people. Among 12 to 17 year olds, depression increased by 63 percent, and among 18 to 34 year olds, it increased by 47 percent. Another large study on data drawn from a survey of more than 600,000 participants found a significant increase in rates of depression between 2005 and 2015. The rate rose from 6.6 percent to 7.3 percent of the population for all age groups, an 11 percent increase overall. Among 12 to 17 year olds, the rate of depression rose from 8.7 percent to 12.7 percent, a 46 percent increase. This study also found a significant increase in older age groups. The study’s authors note that depression is highest among people with limited access to treatment and that despite higher rates of depression, access to treatment has not increased. There are a number of reasons this is bad news. One, obviously, is that depression is painful and reduces quality of life. Depression also increases risk of illness. The Blue Cross Blue Shield report notes that people who suffer from depression lose about 10 years of healthy life on average. Even if you don’t have depression yourself, you are likely to know someone who does. More than 60 percent of people say they know someone with depression, and the real number is probably higher. Depression is also a major risk factor for addiction, and addiction can lead to depression. Depression and addiction is one of the most common dual diagnoses and an episode of depression during recovery can lead to relapse. A rise in depression nationwide may also lead to a rise in addiction, especially since the rise is so sharp among younger people, who are already at greater risk for addiction. There may be some good news in the apparent rise in depression. It could be that more people are seeking help. There have been various efforts in recent years to spread awareness and reduce the stigma of depression. Some of the rise almost certainly reflects a greater willingness to seek help, rather than a worsening epidemic. Some of it, though, is probably legitimate. Over roughly the same period, the rate of suicide in the US has increased by almost 20 percent. Given that addiction and depression together increase risk of suicide more than either alone, some of that rise might be attributable to the opioid crisis.
If you or a loved one struggles with addiction, we can help. Recovery Ways is a leading addiction treatment provider with an excellent recovery rate. Our expert staff includes masters and PhD level therapists and board certified addiction psychiatrists. Our comfortable facilities will help to make your treatment as enjoyable as possible and our therapists use proven techniques like sensory integration and recreation therapy to help to engage the world without the assistance of drugs or alcohol. Call us today at 1-888-986-7848 or email us through our contact page to learn more.
