• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • Home
  • About
  • Mental Health Resources
    • Depression Resources
  • Blog
    • Coping
    • Medication
    • Self Care
    • Stress and Anxiety
    • Unhelpful thinking
      • Coulda, Woulda, Shoulda
      • Fortune-Telling
      • Guilt and Shame
      • Time Travel
    • Sleep Issues
    • Depression
    • Covid19
    • Suicide & Self-Harm
    • Wellness Tools
      • SMART – Self Management And Recovery Training
      • WRAP (Wellness Recovery Action Plan)
      • Change Triangle
  • Contact

“I Suffer From Depression.” Here’s What I Am Learning.

Turnaround
You are here: Home / Facts and myths about mental illness / Are you 1 in 4?

Are you 1 in 4?

May 12, 2019 by Depression Is Not My Boss Leave a Comment

One in four Americans will have depression at some point in their life. That makes the odds almost 100% that it is you, or you have a relative who suffers from it, or a friend. Or you know someone who is supporting someone who has depression.

  • Major Depressive Disorder
    – The leading cause of disability in the U.S. for ages 15 to 44.3.
    – While major depressive disorder can develop at any age, the median age at onset is 32.5 years old.
    – It is far more prevalent in women than in men.

Our knowledge of mental illness is still evolving. But the stigma associated with it is as strong as ever. People are very guarded about depression. Even if they seek treatment, they are unclear about what can be disclosed. Fear of hospitalization, real or imagined, keeps many from seeking help.

Or worse, they only share little things and hope it is enough. I was guilty of this in the past, sharing just enough to get medicine. I was afraid that sharing too much information would get me committed. Of course, that approach didn’t work for very long, and years later I ended up checking into a hospital. I am proof this band-aid approach is often not enough and makes the next down cycle worse.

Those that opened up and spoke at the CBT class I attended this week made it very clear they were concerned about their job finding out. Many of them have experienced first-hand a boss who isn’t aware of the causes of depression and tells them “it’s all in your head.”

People get screened for all kinds of “normal” diseases, yet a diagnosis of depression often is as unnerving as the disease itself. And depression is a disease, a disorder. Yet, even for me, “all in your head” has crossed my mind. But now being able to talk about it, regardless of the perceived personal risks, is what I am bracing to do. Having spent most of my adult life not facing it, I know as well as anyone what the costs are.

I am 1 in 4, I have depression. My blog is a daily record of my progress. My hope is that others who may not be sure of their status in relation to depression will use this as a starting point to get answers. There is nothing like the naked truth to make the next step clear. Check out my resources page for more information.

Join my mailing list and never miss my thoughts, whatever they may be. No spam, just me.

Filed Under: Facts and myths about mental illness Tagged With: depression, gloom, grief, hope, life, lifestyle, Major Depressive Disorder, mental health, statistics, worries, worry

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

I write My Concealed Depression to create Mental Health AwarenessHello, I am Joel. I have Major Depressive Disorder.  I am genuinely determined to figure out my personal relationship with depression. With 40+ years of living with concealed depression, I write my blog to find answers. 

I once got so carried away searching for answers that I even earned a  certification in  SMART Recovery. 

Get my latest posts, (your email is never sold or rented)

I developed a 38 Page Mental Health Tools Flipbook. Complete the Form and Get Your Free Copy Now.

Privacy Policy

Discover Self-Care, Coping Strategies, Understand Anxiety, Track your Triggers, Mood, and Sleep; Recap Therapy Sessions, and more.

https://myconcealeddepression.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/my-concealed-depression-intro.mp4
  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Pinterest

More to See

The startling truth about coping statements for anxiety and depression

The Startling Truth About Coping Statements For Anxiety and Depression

October 28, 2020 By Depression Is Not My Boss

My 101 Coping Strategies for Anxiety

My 101 Best Coping Statements For Anxiety and Depression

October 18, 2020 By Depression Is Not My Boss

Is my anxiety from not cleaning up completely from my trip to Africa?

Is My Anxiety Because I Am Still Unpacking from Africa?

January 28, 2023 By Depression Is Not My Boss

Am I Able to Be Happier, to Feel Joy?

January 24, 2023 By Depression Is Not My Boss

You Never Pay More, Yet Clicking These Links And Making a Purchase Helps Fund My Blog

PureFormulas.com-Pure Healthy Goodness, Highest-Grade Natural Supplements! Fast, Free Shipping!
Mosaic 250x250
Blog Meets Brand
Your Page Title

Footer

Contact

Email:  my.concealed.depression@gmail.com

Privacy Policy

Recent

  • If Only I Felt Happy, Maybe I Could Be Happy
  • Is My Anxiety Because I Am Still Unpacking from Africa?
  • Am I Able to Be Happier, to Feel Joy?
  • What Made Depression Almost Keep Me From Summiting Mt. Kilimanjaro?
  • 3 Years and 9 Months After Admitting Depression, I Can Say Merry Christmas

Search

© Copyright 2020 · My Concealed Depression · All Rights Reserved · Designed by The Marketing Momma