The number of people being diagnosed with major depression has increased significantly over the past five years. Since 2013 instances of clinical depression have spiked 33 percent according to a recent report from health insurer Blue Cross Blue Shield. As more people suffer from depression it puts a strain on the resources that the medical industry is able to provide for care.
The report was based on insurance claims by 41 million members of Blue Cross who sought help for depression and were diagnosed with a significant mental illness. People with depression can suffer from many negative consequences to their health including problems such as chronic illnesses and substance abuse. These combined issues can cause sufferers of depression to have more significant health care needs and to experience worse health outcomes over a period of time.
If trends continue the way that they have it is predicted that depression will become the number one cause for loss of longevity. The dramatic rise in depression has been especially prominent among young people with rates spiking by 47 percent for millennials, 65 percent for adolescent girls and 47 percent for adolescent boys. These groups were impacted the most but depression rose in every demographic in the last five years.
Health trends have shown that not only are more Americans suffering from depression but they also have been experiencing higher rates of loneliness and anxiety. Mental health conditions like depression can be closely linked to other physical health issues so it is important for individuals to get a diagnosis and treatment to prevent it from affecting their longevity. Early diagnosis and treatment can help people with depression avoid developing a chronic condition that is associated with their mental illness.
In order to combat the continuing rise in depression rates it is important to increase awareness and resources for treatment options throughout the U.S.