HOPE AGAINST DEPRESSION

“Two people can look at the same

direction and see it

differently.”

Half-empty?

Half-full?

What is depression?

Depression is a common mental disorder that presents with depressed mood, loss of interest or pleasure, feelings of guilt or low self-worth, disturbed sleep or appetite, low energy, and poor concentration.

Statistics

•The rate of increase of depression among children is an astounding 23% p.a.

•15% of the population of most developed countries suffers severe depression

•The rate of increase of depression among children is an astounding 23% p.a. [4]•15% of the population of most developed countries suffers severe depression

• 54% of people believe depression is a personal weakness.

• 41% of depressed women are too embarrassed to seek help.

• 80% of depressed people are not currently having any treatment.

• 15% of depressed people will commit suicide.• Depression will be the second largest killer

after heart disease by 2020 -- and studies show depression is a contributory factor to fatal coronary disease.

• As many as one in 33 children and one in eight adolescents have clinical depression. Suicide is the third leading cause of death for ages 10 to 24.

• Most people diagnosed with major depression receive a diagnosis between their late twenties to mid-thirties.

• Depression often exists with other diseases, including chronic pain, arthritis, diabetes and HIV patients.

• Depression is also known to weaken the immune system, making the body more susceptible to other medical illnesses.

• People with depression are four times as likely to develop a heart attack than those without a history of the illness. After a heart attack, they are at a significantly increased risk of death or second heart attack.

• Depression may increase a woman's risk for broken bones.

• Major depressive disorder is the leading cause of disability in the U.S. for ages 15-44.

Is there really hope against depression?

We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed; 2 Cor 4:8-9 (KJV)