Ø     Depression is an equal-opportunity illness (Depression does not discriminate). No one is immune from depression.

It occurs in people of all social classes, all countries, all ages, all races, all economic groups, all cultural settings and both genders.

Ø     Women are twice as likely to suffer from depression as men. No one knows for sure why this is the case.

It reportedly afflicts twice as many women as men (although some observers speculate that this could be because fewer men admit they need treatment).

Ø     While both men and women may develop the standard symptoms of depression, they often experience depression differently and may have different ways of coping.

Ø     Depression is among the most treatable of psychiatric illnesses. Depression is a treatable illness.

Ø     Nearly two-thirds of people suffering from depression never seek treatment and suffer needlessly.

Only about one-third of those who are depressed actually receive treatment.

However, this is unfortunate since roughly 80-90% of those who do seek treatment can feel better within just a few weeks. 

Ø     More than 80 percent of those who actually seek treatment for major depression experience significant improvement and almost all individuals derive some benefit from medical care.

Inspite of this fact, nearly two-thirds of people suffering from depression never seek treatment and consequently suffer needlessly.