Major Depression
The escalation in the problem, as well as the facts relating
to recurring episodes of depression show that while the first
line treatment of depression by antidepressants may sometimes
control the symptoms, it usually does little to give sufferers
depression-free lives.
More than ever, we need to look at alternatives to drugs
that will equip us to deal effectively with the triggers that
allow depression to take hold again and again. This is where
drug treatments fail.
Facts on major depression
First and foremost, clinical or major depression is growing
at an incredible rate.
- People of all ages, backgrounds, lifestyles, and nationalities
suffer from major depression, with a few exceptions.
- Up to 20% of people experience symptoms of depression.
- 10 times more people suffer from major depression now
than in 1945 (2)
- The average age of first onset of major depression is
25-29
A few key areas of society remain where major depression
is not seen. Also, the huge increase in cases of major depression
show that it can't be a disease.
Key Understanding
There is 10 times more major depression in people born after
1945 than in those born before. This clearly shows that the
root cause of most depression is not a chemical imbalance.
Human genes do not change that fast.
Yet, it is estimated 35 to 40 million Americans living today
will suffer from major depression at some time during their
lives, with about half of this amount suffering from recurring
depression symptoms. (3)
This isn't due to more people telling their doctor. In fact,
a major issue when considering the effect of major depression
on society as a whole is the amount of misdiagnosis, or cases
where major depression goes undiagnosed.
Major depression and suicide
- About a quarter of suicides in the US are felt to be
due to undiagnosed, or misdiagnosed major depression.
- Up to 80% of suicide deaths are in sufferers of major
depression.
Given that suicide is the 8th largest cause of death in the
US, it's no wonder that major depression is classed as "the
nation's leading mental health problem"
Even these horrific numbers may not reveal the true picture,
given that many suicides will be disguised as accidental death.
Why the sudden increase?
Societies that breed depression, and societies that
don't
It is a fact that we all have basic emotional needs that
must be met for us to thrive and enjoy life. After the primary
human needs for food, water and shelter come commonly shared
emotional and physical needs. Without exception we find depressed
people are not getting these needs met.
Traditional communities naturally meet many 'basic needs'
for emotional support. In the traditional Amish society in
the US major depression is almost unknown, as it is in the
equally traditional Kaluli tribe of New Guinea. In these societies
individual concerns are group concerns and vise-versa. You
know that if you have a problem other people will help you
and you are expected to help out when others need support.
We know we are meant to do these things but it's not a 'built
in feature' of modern society in the same way.
These days we are much more 'self-focused'. The idea of considering
the wider community to be more important than the self is
almost impossible to understand for most people.
Major depression is 4th most disabling condition in the world,
and 2nd most in the developed world.
As well as the human cost, the burden on society is incredible.
Much of the research on this site about effective treatments
for depression has been controlled by the US government, in
order to try and find the best way to overcome depression.
The cost to society is real, and we need to find the best
way at beating depression for good.
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