What is the main cause of depression in the US?

Research suggests that depression doesn’t spring from simply having too much or too little of certain brain chemicals. Rather, there are many possible causes of depression, including faulty mood regulation by the brain, genetic vulnerability, stressful life events, medications, and medical problems.

Why is the depression rate so high?

After puberty, depression rates are higher in females than in males. Because girls typically reach puberty before boys do, they’re more likely to develop depression at an earlier age than boys are. There is evidence to suggest that this depression gender gap may continue throughout the lifespan.

What percentage of Americans have depression?

The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) estimates that 16.2 million U.S. adults had at least one major depressive episode in 2016. This represents 6.7 percent of the U.S. adult population. Depression is most common in ages 18 to 25 (10.9 percent) and in individuals belonging to two or more races (10.5 percent).

How common is depression in the US 2021?

New research from Boston University School of Public Health reveals that the elevated rate of depression has persisted into 2021, and even worsened, climbing to 32.8 percent and affecting 1 in every 3 American adults.

Who is most likely to depression?

Major depression is most likely to affect people between the ages of 45 and 65. “People in middle age are at the top of the bell curve for depression, but the people at each end of the curve, the very young and very old, may be at higher risk for severe depression,” says Walch.

Which country is best for mental health?

In Norway, the number of young people seeking help for mental illness increased 40 per cent in five years. In Finland, named the happiest country in the world for 2018, suicide is responsible for a third of all deaths among 15- to 24-year-olds.

Which ethnicity has the most depression?

Major depression was most prevalent among Hispanics (10.8\%), followed by African Americans (8.9\%) and Whites (7.8\%). The odds of depressive disorders among older Hispanics were 44\% greater than among Whites (OR = 1.44; 95\% CI = 1.02, 2.04), representing a significantly greater prevalence of major depression.

What is causing the rise in mental illness?

Increased stress, fear, and anxiety. Parental depression. Negative family environment (may include parental substance abuse) Child mistreatment or abuse by parents.