Depression is not just an emotion or feeling; it is potentially disabling and possibly life-threatening.
About one in five Canadians will suffer from depression at some point in their lives.
Depression is a more common disease than migraines, diabetes, high blood pressure or asthma.
The incidence of depression is increasing amongst baby boomers and teenagers.
The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that depression is the number one disease burden for women 15-45.
In 50% of unhappy marriages, one or both partners is depressed.
About one in seven people will be affected by social anxiety disorder (unreasonable fears in social situations) at some point in their lives.
Depression is most common in people between the ages of 18 and 44
the most productive years.
US figures say depression costs the American economy approximately $10 Billion annually.
Depression is twice as common amongst women as in men.
Business and Economic Roundtable on mental health estimates that in Canada depression represents 14% of all disabilities higher than the world average
The Roundtable also estimates that depression will grow in developed countries over the next 20 years to be the leading cause of workdays lost through disability and premature death; heart disease will be number two
Heart attack survivors suffering from depression are five times more likely to die of another attack
Psychological disabilities last longer and recur more frequently than other forms of disability
Harvard University calls depression "the unheralded crisis"
