Depression is becoming a prevalent problem in
our society. Irrespective of age, ethnic distribution and culture, depression is
making life of people difficult. United States is also one of the major
sufferers of depression. The problem is on a continuous rise in America.
There are no specific reasons of depression in
the United States just like other first and third world countries.
What
can be the reasons behind depression?
A quick look at the recently collected data
has shown an increase in the diagnosis of depression. This may lead to a
perception that a series of some horrible events have dragged millions of
humans into the depressive state of mind.
A recent perspective is given regarding the people
belonging to different political associations that may be election is the major
reason behind this wave of depression. But the fact is that most of the data is
from before 2016 so elections cannot consider being the only reason behind the
problem.
Another evaluation is also there which
suggests that actually the problem is not about increasing number of depression
cases in United States. The phenomenon is that the people suffering from
depression are same in number as they were years ago. The change is that people
are now seeking medical help for this problem and that is the reason behind
increased diagnosis of depression cases.
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A
statistical data by insurance company:
A report is released by Health insurance
Company named BlueCross BlueShield on Thursday, May 10. The report states that
according to analysis by a study performed on the 41 million people who are its
clients, there is a clear increase of 33% in 2016 as compared to 2013. While it
is also observed that women are suffering more than twice as compared to men
when comes to the diagnosis of depression. The 33% increase is equal in men and
women over the past three year’s analysis.
However there are few differences in the age
groups when it comes to the prevalence of depression and its diagnosis. The
analysis of insurance company BCBS has particularly showed a steep increase in
diagnosis of depression in younger adults. An alarming rise of 63% increase in
depression cases is noted in adults aged among 12- 17 years. Similarly a rise
of 47% is noted in young people aged 18 – 34 years from 2013 to 2016.
There are also few other recent reports endorsing
these analytical findings. In 2017 a study is submitted including a survey
results. The survey conducted on more than 607,500 people gives results that depression
has increased in the US from 2005 to 2015.
While the research conducted in 2016 solely
focus on the adolescents giving a sharp increase in depression during the same
period. This is of a larger trend.
Depression has been showing an increase in the US since the 1930’s.
Steve
Hyman’s findings:
The director of the Stanley Center for
Psychiatric research, Steve Hyman considers it as a good sign. According to one
of his emails he says that he is doubtful about an increase in the cases of the
depression. Rather it is about an increase in the recognition of the symptoms
of the mental illness.
In 2016, general practitioner belonging to the
US Preventive Service Task Force, implement universal depression screenings for
all those above the age of 12. The screening is performed on even those adults
who do not consider themselves under depression. It is therefore obvious that
more number of people is undergoing the depression evaluation today than in the
past. This thing might have an impact on the increased rate of depression,
according to Hymen.
Depression
is not related to common man only:
Depression is not an issue which is associated
with only a common man. No, many celebrities have open up about the depression
and mental health issues.
Indeed, few very well known names including
Bruce Springsteen, Lady Gaga, Mayim Bialik and Jon Hamm have been publically
speaking about their depression and mental health problems. This thing is
breaking the taboo about depression that it is something to be ashamed of.
There is still a stigma present in the society
about depression. But it is a positive thing that famous people share their
problems with masses so people watching or reading about them compare their
symptoms and health conditions to them and seek for help.
Steps
to be taken:
Despite increasing rates of diagnosis of
depression in the United States, several aspects regarding the illness have not
changed much. The diagnosis techniques have not been improved and treatment is
also the same over the previous years.
As said by Hymen the data given by BlueCross
is a positive sign and it suggests that maximum number of people is now likely
to get proper treatment of the depression. He also added that it’s nothing to
celebrate for in this report.
It is the right time to show concern about the
high rates of depression. As more and more individuals open up and try to
confront their depression along with help of health professionals to recognise
the needs of treatment. In their patient an increased demand of health treatmentwill
grow.
This demand will drive policy makers to
recognize the need of hour and help the society to alleviate mental health by providing
better facilities instead of isolating these patients.
Well it is also of utmost importance to look
into the root causes of depression in order to prevent it rather than just
finding ways to treat it.
