Depression is widespread problem in the United States. Here are some recent statistics from May 2020 that help put the problem in perspective:
24.9% of American adults have symptoms of depressive disorder. In June 2019, that number was 6.6%. (CDC, May 2020)
26.9% of adult females have symptoms of depressive disorder. For men, that number is 22.7%. (CDC, May 2020)
9.4% of those who visited emergency departments had depression indicated on their medical records. (CDC, 2016)
5% of Americans suffer from seasonal depression. The condition usually occurs in the autumn and throughout the winter. (APA, 2017)
32.5 years old is the median age of depression onset. (ADAA)
Nearly 50% of all people diagnosed with depression are also diagnosed with an anxiety disorder. (ADAA)
11 million U.S. adults experienced a depression episode that resulted in severe impairment in the past year.
The percentage of people afflicted with depression in each age group are:
18-29-year-olds: 36.7%
30-39-year-olds: 27.4%
40-49-year-olds: 24.2%
59-59-year-olds: 24.6%
60-69-year-olds: 19.8%
70-79-year-olds: 13.3%
80+ year-olds: 17.1%
Regarding medications:
12.7% of people age 12 and over, – 8.6% of males, and 16.5% of females – took antidepressant medication in the past month.
For both males and females, non-Hispanic white people were more likely to take antidepressant medication compared with those of other backgrounds.
One in four who take antidepressant medication has done so for 10 years or longer.
[Data in this section from the Center for Disease Control, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey, and Anxiety and Depression Association of America.]
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The good news is that Bach Flower Remedies can help most people without the negative side effects of medications. There are four main remedies for depression, but there are others that may be needed, as well. The core Bach Flower Remedies for depression are:
Mustard is for depression that comes and goes without rhyme or reason. It comes on seemingly without cause and leaves just as mysteriously. It can't be linked to any specific event or cause.
Gentian is for despondency or depression that can be traced to a specific setback like bombing a test or being passed over for a promotion. It is demoralizing, but doesn't feel hopeless.
Gorse is for hopelessness. It may or may not be the result of something specific, but it makes you feel hopeless or trapped. Anyone who is feeling even the slightest suicidal feelings definitely needs Gorse. The Gorse state is depressed, but kind of flat. The sufferer has given up hope and is resigned to what seems a hopeless situation.
Sweet Chestnut is for grief and mental anguish. This is often the result of the loss of a loved one or the feeling that God has forsaken them. However, unlike in the Gorse state, they haven't given up. They keep trying to understand and find peace. It is a very active state, but nothing they try seems to help provide the answers and comfort they need.
Depression can be caused by many things, and therefore several different remedies may be needed to address it at its root. Lots of people stuff their emotions and hide behind a brave face. Repressed emotions—anything from a lack of self-esteem or confidence to deep-seated resentment—can lead to depression. Agrimony will help people change that behavior and feel their emotions. Once they can identify their feelings, they can find the right remedy to balance those emotions. There are thirty-four other remedies not mentioned here that can process whatever one is dealing with.
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