Who Does Depression Affect?
Description
This article is from the Health Articles series.
Who Does Depression Affect?
Depression can affect anyone, at anytime. And it doesn't just affect the person who is depressed. Friends, family, and others who care about the depressed person are affected as well.
At any one point in time at least five to 10 percent of the population is suffering from depression. Every year more than 17 million Americans suffer from Clinical Depression. It affects women, men, children, and the elderly. That means your spouse, brother, mother, child, or grandparent—even you—could become depressed. Click here to learn more about Symptoms of Depression.
Yet, some people are more at risk than others for developing depression. For example, women are affected about twice as often men. Other groups at high risk for depression include: people with a family history of depression, a negative or pessimistic outlook on life, a history of abuse, a serious medical illness, or a lot of stress in their lives. The mid- 30s is the average age for developing depression, with the frequency of depression increasing as people grow older. People of any age can become depressed, however, including young children. Click here to learn more about the Causes of Depression.
It may be hard to believe, but depression is one of the most common medical illnesses.
Having a Loved One with Depression
Having a friend, relative, loved one, or coworker who is depressed often affects you as well, because depression makes relationships difficult.
People who are depressed don't act the way they normally would and may depend on you more than usual or might not be as interested in spending time with you.
Depression can also make it difficult to talk freely and directly to friends and family. Anger, hostility, and resentment, in the depressed person, as well as friends or family members, complicates communication.
This may be difficult for you, as you may feel frustrated and helpless. But the more support you can offer a friend or loved one who is depressed, the better. It may help to remind yourself that a depressed person has a medical illness, and your support and understanding can make a world of difference.
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