Are Depression Rates Increasing?

It’s normal to feel depressed.

Almost everyone probably experiences depression at times. In fact, it may be more concerning when someone does not feel depressed after experiencing a major loss. But depression and the mental health disorders of Major Depressive Disorder or Persistent Depressive Disorder (and other mood disorders) are not the same. A person with Major Depressive Disorder will feel depressed for weeks and exhibit other symptoms beyond simply having a depressed mood. Most people will feel depressed at times but will be able to cope.

Depression rates

We do know that rates of depression are increasing in The United States. Determining exactly why this is maybe difficult to answer, but some factors could certainly play a role. For example, we know that our middle class is shrinking, and as a result, poverty rates are increasing. Poverty can contribute to increased stress, fewer resources, substance abuse, less access to quality education, etc., and these may increase a person’s risk of experiencing depression. People experiencing poverty can also have reduced access to healthcare, both to address their physical and mental health. We also know that, due to people spending more and more time on the Internet and their phones, social communication has decreased. Social support is a protective factor in preventing depression. Families may be spending less time together interacting face-to-face. There may be more stress in the workplace or schools, and more people are working multiple jobs. Less time for self-care can make us more vulnerable to Depression.

It’s not all bad

We know that more people are being diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder and other mood disorders, but that is not necessarily a bad thing. One positive change recently is that the stigma attached to seeking mental health treatment is lifting. More and more people who in the past would have avoided seeking mental health treatment, either because of embarrassment, access, denial, or social beliefs, are meeting with a mental health professional. Even though the number of people experiencing regular depressive episodes may increase, the percentage of those diagnosed and treated may also be increasing.