Who Gets Depression?

Depression isn’t a normal part of life, whatever your age, sex, or health status is. But anyone can have it.

• Women are more likely to become depressed than men. The higher risk may be due in part to hormone changes during a woman’s life.



• Men are less likely than women to get help for depression. They may show the common symptoms of depression. But they’re more likely to be angry and hostile. They’re also more apt to mask their condition with alcohol or drug abuse. The risk of suicide is greater for men than for women.



• Elderly. Older people may lose loved ones. Often, they have to get used to living alone. They may become physically ill and less active than they once were. These changes can raise the risk of depression. Loved ones may think the signs of depression are a normal part of aging, and many older people don’t want to talk about their symptoms. So, older people may not get treatment for their depression.

Also of Interest

Kareema and Phyllis were surprised to find out how many other people suffer from depression.

Do you think you may be depressed? Take this quiz and discuss it with your doctor.