Who Does Depression Affect?
Who Does Depression Affect?
SEP 16
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When you think of people living with depression, what comes to mind? Maybe it’s a close friend or family member you know who’s living with this mental health disorder. Maybe it’s you. Or maybe you don’t think you personally know anyone who is affected by major depressive disorder.
You may be surprised. The CDC reports that about one in thirteen people lives with depression. If you know at least thirteen people, you very likely know someone living with this condition.
The problem? All too many people living with depression suffer in silence. They think that depression makes them appear weak or that it’s something they can “just get over.” But that’s not the case. Clinical depression requires treatment and it can affect you regardless of your age, race, gender, socioeconomic status, and any other factors. If you think you may be struggling with symptoms of depression, don’t hesitate to speak up. You’re not alone.
How depression affects people by age, sex, and more
Depression affects Americans regardless of age, race, household income, or any other factors. Elderly people can experience depressive episodes, as can children. And this issue isn’t confined to America, either. The World Health Organization reports that depression affects more than 300 million people of all ages across the world.
They also share that it’s the leading cause of disability worldwide. But it doesn’t have to be this way. If depression is impacting your ability to go about your day and to feel healthy and balanced while doing so, it’s time for a change. And the first step toward making that change is talking about the way you’re feeling.
The expanding national conversation about depression
Not so long ago, there was very little national conversation about mental health in general, particularly as it relates to depression. But celebrities are working to change that. Taking to the traditional channels, like magazine and television interviews and leveraging social media, many celebs have opened up about living with depression.
Want proof? Here’s a list of just a few of the people in the public eye who have shared that they struggle with depressive symptoms:
Getting treatment for depression
If you’re living with depression, you’re clearly not alone. And knowing you’re not in it by yourself can help, but truly getting relief from your symptoms comes down to finding the right treatment for you.
For some people, traditional treatments like talk therapy and medication are highly effective. But if you don’t respond to these treatments, don’t despair. At Acacia, we offer one of the latest, most groundbreaking depression treatments: Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation, or TMS.
During this treatment, the TMS device sends magnetic impulses into your brain. These impulses target the parts of your brain that are underactive and, as a result, cause you to feel depressed.
Triggering activity in these underactive parts of your brain doesn’t just offer short-term relief from depression, either. Some patients who choose TMS achieve full remission and maintain it for a year or more.
TMS doesn’t have any notable side effects. It’s a medication-free way to treat depression that’s FDA-approved for people who haven’t responded to other treatments. To learn more or to get started, don’t hesitate to contact Acacia today.
