The Reality of Depression Statistics
Employers hate depression because, according to the latest depression statistics, it is the main reason employees are unable to come in to work. When reading depression statistics it seems like depression is on the rise. It is hard to tell if more people are suffering from bouts of depression or if it is simply because more and more people are admitting to dealing with depression. In addition to more people admitting that they are dealing with depression, doctors are also becoming more skilled at recognizing the different types of depression and this improved diagnosis's can change depression statistics.
Women and Depression
According to depression statistics approximately 30% of adult women will be treated for some form of depression. The odds of a women going to a doctor for a diagnosis based on her mental state are greater then a man doing the same thing. Women are often better about remembering to take anti-depressants.
Men and Depression
It is believed that approximately 15% of the countries masculine population will be diagnosed with some form of depression. Men often see depression as a weakness and refuse to admit that something is wrong. When a man goes to a doctor it is more likely to be because of one of the physical side affects of their depression rather than the depression itself.
Children and Depression
The scariest depression statistics are the ones that deal with children. According to the latest depression statistics there are currently 23% more children being diagnosed with depression than previous years. The largest rise in juvenile depression can be found in preschoolers.
Depression in the Workplace
Employees who are dealing with depression seldom win the title of employee of the month. The depression can cause an employee to be distracted, moody, and irritable. Depression is the leading medical reason employees often find it impossible to make it to work.
Depression does more than simply cost the employer a person's physical presence, when a company employee goes to a doctor for help with dealing with their depression it causes the employers medical insurance rates to increase. According to the depression statistics, depression currently costs employers approximately $51 billion dollars a year in medical expenses and loss of productivity due to absenteeism.
The Undiagnosed
The problem with determining depression statistics is that so many people who are suffering from some type of depression simply refuse to tell anyone about their problems. It is believed that only 20% of the population will actually go seek medical assistance for their depression. According to the depression statistics women are more likely to seek medical help than men.
