38 Engaging Depression Statistics & Facts for 2024

Depression Statistics

Depression is a widespread mental health disorder that impacts people from all walks of life. Its many symptoms can impede a person’s ability to function normally in social settings, at work, or in school. Now, the article below will focus on the most important depression statistics to extend your knowledge of this condition. By the end of this piece, you will know more about the prevalence of depression, its impact on the world, and, finally, the treatments one could look into.

Top 10 Depression Statistics for 2024

  • The disorder is most common in young adults aged 18–25.
  • About 31% of people living in poverty have been diagnosed with the disorder.
  • Approximately one in eight women experience postpartum depression.
  • As many as 37% of university and college students in the US have depression.
  • An astounding 66.5% of trans teens have depression, statistics confirm.
  • Depression rates are three times higher among people with HIV.
  • An impressive 60% of children and adolescents with depression don’t get any treatment at all.
  • As many as 30.9% of survey respondents experienced symptoms of depression due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • India is the most depressed country, with 6.5% of its population having some form of a serious mental disorder.
  • Every day, approximately 110 Americans take their own life, and about 3,500 attempt to do so.

Depression Facts and Stats on the Prevalence of the Disorder

In the section below, you will get to learn how widespread depression really is, whether it is related to anxiety, and how often it causes impairments. For that and much more, keep reading.

1. Millions of adults will experience depression at some point in their lives.

(Verywell Mind)

After all, depression facts remark that there are many different types of the disorder, just as there are many ways it impacts someone’s life. Because the symptoms and the severity of depression can vary, people must seek medical help for a proper diagnosis and suitable treatment options.

2. 50% of people dealing with depression also have an anxiety disorder.

(Verywell Mind)

In some cases, a severe anxiety disorder accompanies depression. In a nutshell, an anxiety disorder can induce feelings of nervousness or panic. It is often associated with a rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, or even dizziness and nausea. Anxiety statistics mark the link between the two disorders—a tandem bound to take its toll on one’s quality of life.

3. About 25% of patients admitted to a hospital due to depression have psychotic depression.

(Healthline)

According to depression statistics, over time, quite a number of people might develop symptoms of depression. What’s more, 1 in 13 people will experience a psychotic episode before age 75. Finally, it is important to note that psychotic depression is a severe mood disorder, the symptoms of which can include hallucinations, delusions, or paranoia.

4. About 264 million people in the world are affected by depression.

(WHO)

What percent of the population has depression? The latest statistics by the World Health Organization denote just how prevalent the disorder really is. It has been estimated that approximately 264 million people worldwide suffer from depression, which translates to 3.4% of the global population.

5. Depression is less prevalent compared to anxiety disorders. 

(Verywell Mind) (NIH)

According to anxiety statistics, worldwide, its prevalence is very high. In other words, generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), phobia disorders, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), along with other types of anxiety disorder, impact the lives of 284 million people.

6. In the past year, as many as 11 million US adults had an episode that led to severe impairment. 

(Verywell Mind) (NIH)

Statistics about depression remark that an impressive number of Americans had episodes that resulted in impairments. Generally, a depressive episode is characterized by at least two weeks of low mood and lost interest in almost everything, significantly affecting one’s quality of life. Namely, a person can have problems with eating, energy, sleep, concentration, or self-worth.

7. 25% of cancer patients experience depression.

(DBSA)

According to depression statistics, worldwide, the disorder accompanies quite a number of medical conditions. The National Institute of Mental Health reveals that 25% of cancer patients, 10%–27% of all post-stroke patients, and 33% of heart attack survivors experience depression. People living with chronic pain are also likely to be depressed.

Statistics on Depression and Its Demographics

This section will reveal which gender and age group are more prone to depression and whether the socioeconomic status has anything to do with the disorder. For that and much more, keep reading.

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8. 37% of university and college students in the US have depression.

(Statista)

According to college depression statistics, from 2019 to 2020, a third of university and college students in the US showed moderate to severe symptoms of the disorder. Of those, 19% had moderate depression, and 18% had severe depression.

9. According to teen depression statistics, 6%–8% of teens in the US may have severe depression. 

(ADAA)

In the US, an astounding 2.8 million teens (ages 12 to 17) had at least one major depressive episode in 2014. Teenage depression statistics also reveal that girls are more likely to develop depression during adolescence.

10. Women are twice as likely as men to have experienced a depressive episode.

(Healthline)

Male vs. female depression statistics reveal that depression is more prevalent among women. Namely, 10.4% of women aged 20 and over were found to have depression compared with 5.5% of men. Additionally, about 10%–15% of women in the US have a depressive episode within three months of childbirth.

11. The disorder is most common in young adults aged 18–25.

(Healthline)

Depression statistics for college students remark that young adults are very likely to experience depression. Namely, 10.9% of those aged 18–25 experience it. Stress with school, financial problems, and moving away from friends and family do impact one’s wellbeing and increase the likelihood of developing the disorder.

12. In the US, one in every eight middle-aged women has depression.

(Live Science)

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicate that women aged 40–59 have the highest (12.3%) rate of depression of any group and gender in the US. Note that depression facts and statistics showed women had higher rates of the disorder than men in all other age groups, too.

13. 8% of children and teens have an anxiety disorder, putting them at risk of developing depression. 

(ADAA)

As mentioned before, anxiety and depression statistics define the link between the two disorders. In other words, panic attacks, social anxiety, specific phobias, separation anxiety disorder, and other types of the disorder are associated with higher rates of subsequent depression. Now, an impressive 8% of children and teens experience an anxiety disorder, with most people developing symptoms before the age of 21.

14. Depression is the most common mental health condition among transgender teens. 

(US News)

Transgender depression statistics paint a grim picture. Let’s look into a study involving 158 transgender teens. Of them, 47 were affirmed females (male to female), 107—affirmed males (female to male), and four—non-binary. The study concluded that 78.5% of all participants had a mental health condition, with depression being the most common one—66.5%. What’s more, the study’s depression and suicide statistics revealed that suicidal thoughts were common in 70% of affirmed males and 49% of affirmed females.

15. About 31% of people living in poverty have been diagnosed with depression. 

(The Recovery Village)

At the same time, 15.8% of those not in poverty have depression, as depression statistics come to find out. Experts are unsure as to why people living in poverty are twice as likely to have the disorder. In some cases, poverty leads to depression. In others, depression brings about poverty.

16. Half of all women diagnosed with PPD have never had an episode of depression before. 

(Verywell Mind) (CDC)

That might be the reason why it is hard for some women to recognize the symptoms. Speaking of the signs of PPD, they include worrying about hurting the baby, crying more than usual, feeling guilty about not being a good mother, and feeling angry or numb.

17. Approximately one in eight women experience postpartum depression. 

(CDC)

Postpartum depression rates indicate that many women experience this specific type of depression. Usually, PPD lasts from a few weeks to a year. In more severe cases, it can last several years. Risk factors that might affect how long PPD lasts include breastfeeding difficulties, a history of mental illnesses, a lack of support from one’s partner, etc.

18. About half of women diagnosed with PPD began experiencing symptoms during pregnancy. 

(Verywell Mind)

While it’s common for women to have some symptoms of depression after giving birth, postpartum depression statistics confirm that PPD can be much more severe. A point often overlooked is that several reports and studies have found that these symptoms might appear earlier than we expect—during pregnancy.

19. Around 6.7% of American adults have had at least one depressive episode in a given year.  

(Healthline)

That translates to an astounding 16.2 million adults, as pointed out by depression statistics. With one in 12 US adults having depression, the prevalence of the condition in the US cannot be overstated.

Stats for Depression Treatment

Although it might sound unlikely, there are countries where less than 10% of the population receives treatment for their disorder. Thankfully, there are many online therapy sites and other treatment options that can be of great help for those with depression. Read the statistics on depression and the treatment of this disorder below.

20. About 35% of adults who have had a major depressive episode did not receive treatment.

(NIMH)

An alarming number of adults who haven’t received treatment for depression may be explained the following way. First, those affected by depression may not want to report the disorder to healthcare professionals. Second, these people may be unaware of their condition. That said, US depression statistics also show that 65% of adults who have had a major depressive episode were tended to by a medical professional and received medication treatment.

21. If left untreated, severe depression can lead to developing serious health conditions. 

(Healthline)

Many people around the world tend to overlook the disorder. It is worth noting that, if left untreated or undertreated, it can bring about other conditions. That said, according to the World Health Organization, one could look into a number of treatments—medication, diet, therapy, exercising—to find the ones that work for them and decrease the risk of developing other conditions.

22. In many countries, fewer than 10% of people who have depression receive treatment. 

(WHO)

According to depression statistics, there are countries where an abnormally small number of people who suffer from depression receive proper treatment. As a side note, estimating the number of those getting treatment is challenging. Inaccurate medical assessments oftentimes drive numbers in statistics down.

23. 60% of children and adolescents with depression don’t get any treatment at all. 

(Verywell Mind)

Although there are numerous ways to treat depression, taking medication is one of the easiest and fastest. That said, depression statistics reveal that only 19% of children see a healthcare professional for the disorder, while an impressive 60% receive no treatment at all.

Stats About Depression’s Burden

Read on to find out how many people suffer from mental disorders in the US. In this section, you will also get to learn the total economic burden of depression and much more. Without further ado, let’s dive right in.

24. Depression is a leading cause of disability in the world.

(WHO)

Depression affects our lives significantly, and countless mental health statistics disclose just how impactful it really is. In short, depression impedes one’s daily life, work, relationships, and socializing.

25. Depression can lead to suicide, which is the second-leading cause of death among young adults.

(WHO)

An increasingly large number of lives are lost to suicide every year. According to suicide and depression statistics, the disorder often brings about suicidal behaviors. Another startling piece of data is that suicide is the second leading cause of death in adolescents and young adults aged 15–29.

26. Every day, approximately 110 Americans take their own life, and about 3,500 attempt to do so.

(HDRF)

The depression suicide rate is very high in the country. Each day, around 110 Americans take their life. Moreover, depression is the main reason why someone dies of suicide in the US every 12 minutes. That translates to more than 41,000 people a year.

27. The total economic burden of the disorder is $210.5 billion, as per stats about depression.

(NCBI)

Major depressive disorder imposes a considerable economic burden on society. As a matter of fact, in the US, it is estimated at approximately $210.5 billion. While direct medical costs amount to half of this sum, the other half is attributed to indirect costs.

28. Decreased productivity caused by depression may drive its economic costs. 

(Verywell Mind)

Once again, the impact of the disorder cannot be overstated. Reports have remarked that up to 50% of its economic costs are attributed to work absenteeism and decreased productivity of those suffering from the disorder.

Noteworthy Depression Facts and More

This section reveals which country is the most depressed in the world, how depression is related to cancer and HIV, and much more. Read on to extend your knowledge of the topic.

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29. Four in ten adults in the US report symptoms of depression or anxiety because of the pandemic.

(KFF)

Anxiety and depression statistics show that four in ten adults report having symptoms of depression and anxiety because of the pandemic, compared with one in ten adults in 2019. Moreover, 36% of adults in the US experience difficulty sleeping, 32% have problems eating, and 12% have increased alcohol consumption or substance use.

30. Depression can shorten the lives of cancer patients, according to depression facts

(Fact Retriever) (NIH)

Around 25% of cancer patients experience depression. According to research, depression can also shorten the lives of these patients. For this reason, people with cancer might consider undergoing treatments for depression.

31. On average, children with both asthma and depression experience higher levels of asthma. 

(Fact Retriever)

Children with asthma and depression are at a more chronic asthma level. That presents even more challenges for kids and their caregivers. However, with many treatments and professional care readily available, both conditions can be manageable.

32. Middle-aged men are more likely to experience depression, depression facts reveal. 

(Fact Retriever) (Mental Health)

When men hit midlife, they become more prone to experiencing depression. A report has shown that this is probably due to a decrease in testosterone. Rather than talking about it, alcohol and depression facts uncover that men often turn to alcohol and drugs to cope with their condition.

33. 15% of the world’s adult population will experience depression. 

(Verywell Mind) (Psychiatry)

Each year, depression affects 6.7% of people. While this may not include the majority of the world population, this percentage is more than high enough for people to take notice. Considering the health-based consequences of depression, not to mention how it impacts life quality, it’s worth educating people on the symptoms and treatment options.

34. Depression was projected to be the second-leading medical cause of disability in 2020.

(Research Gate)

A World Health Organization’s research disclosed some starting depression statistics in 2020. According to it, this mental health disorder would become the second most common cause of disability for people of all ages.

35. 30.9% of those surveyed experienced symptoms of depression due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

(CDC)

Depression stats from a survey involving adults aged 18 and over show the link between the COVID-19 pandemic and depression. Namely, 40.9% of the survey’s participants reported at least one adverse behavioral or mental health condition, and 30.9% experienced anxiety or depressive disorder symptoms because of the ongoing pandemic. Moreover, 10.7% of the respondents considered suicide in the month preceding the survey.

36. Having less than $5,000 in savings increases the risk of depression during the pandemic.

(JAMA Network)

Statistics about depression suggest that its symptoms are being triggered due to the ongoing pandemic. What’s important to know here is that research has also found that those with fewer savings are at a higher risk of having their symptoms worsen.

37. Depression rates are three times higher among people with HIV, statistics of depression verify.

(BMC)

Depression is the most common mental health disorder among HIV patients, affecting 39% of them. Often, HIV-related medical conditions and HIV medication trigger the development of depression symptoms.

38. India is the most depressed country, with 6.5% of its population having some form of a serious mental disorder. 

(India Today)

Depression statistics remark that India is at the top of the list of the most depressed countries. As a side note, these statistics come from a report by the World Health Organization. Notably, China, the United States, Brazil, Indonesia, Russia, and Pakistan appear at the top of the list, too.

Final Thoughts 

Remember that none of this is the patient’s fault—depression can be brought about by an imbalance in the brain’s chemistry, genetics, or traumatic life events. It’s crucial to seek medical help before this condition worsens and impacts the quality of your life.

Now, having read these elaborate depression stats, you might be more equipped to have inclusive and empathetic conversations about this highly prevalent condition.

FAQs

What is the #1 cause of depression?

It is impossible to pinpoint just one. Following that, some of the main causes of depression are:

  • Traumatic events
  • Specific medication
  • Physical or psychological abuse
  • Death or loss
  • Serious illness
  • Substance abuse.

What is the mortality rate of depression?

Depression might turn into a severe health problem. It can make the affected person unable to function normally. The worst case is when it brings about suicidal thoughts and behaviors. As many as 800,000 people die by suicide each year.

How many Americans are depressed?

The National Institute of Mental Health reveals that, in 2016, as many as 16.2 million had at least one depressive episode. That translates to 6.7% of the US adult population.

What race has the highest rate of depression?

Recent studies reaffirm that depression is indiscriminate, affecting people of all ages, genders, and races. That said, there is an emerging crisis in Black mental health following the increase of suicide rates among Black youth in the last 20 years.

What age group has the highest rate of depression?

People aged 18–21 are most likely to experience symptoms of depression (21%). Then, there are those aged over 45 (18.4%). Finally, the age group 30–44 shows the lowest rate —16.8%, based on depression statistics.

List of Sources:

Table of Contents
Top 10 Depression Statistics for 2024 Depression Facts and Stats on the Prevalence of the Disorder Statistics on Depression and Its Demographics Stats for Depression Treatment Stats About Depression’s Burden Noteworthy Depression Facts and More Final Thoughts 
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