Depression and Its Effects During the COVID-19 Pandemic on American Wellness
More than 264 million people struggle with depression worldwide. In the United States, depression is the leading cause of disability for people between the ages of 15 - 44. As the current pandemic rages on in the United States, bringing with it an environment of isolation, financial hardships, pain of loss, and other stressful triggers, how do you recognize when the “sadness” you are feeling is more than just being sad and are actually symptoms of depression. Dr. Elizabeth Kwo, a physician with over 15 years of experience in specialized healthcare, dives into what can cause depression (spoiler: there’s a lot), the symptoms of depression are, as well as how the healthcare system is building more solutions, like the study of genetics, to create customized care options for tackling depression.
Depression In Numbers:
More than 264 million people suffer from depression worldwide and is the leading cause of disability in the world.
17.3 million adults (7.1% of the adult population) have had at least one major depressive episode.
COVID-19 has tripled the rate of depression in US adults in all demographic groups—especially in those with financial worries
Mental Health Stats
Nearly one in five U.S. adults live with any mental illness (46.6 million in 2017 aged 18 or older. 18.9% of all U.S. adults.
The prevalence of any mental illness was higher among women (22.3%) than men (15.1%).
The prevalence of any mental illness was highest among adults reporting two or more races (28.6%), followed by White adults (20.4%). The prevalence of any mental illness was lowest among Asian adults (14.5%).
Young adults aged 18-25 years had the highest prevalence of AMI (25.8%) compared to adults aged 26-49 years (22.2%) and aged 50 and older (13.8%).
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Produced by WeXL Org, American Wellness dives headfirst into the uncomfortable conversations surrounding mental illness and why Americans feel the way they do. We examine our past, present, and future to find the solutions that could unite and heal us. Together we heal.