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Depression is a serious problem.
35 million Americans (more than 16% of the population) suffer from depression severe enough to warrant treatment at some time in their lives.
(National Institute of Health, 2003 National Comorbidity Study)
Despite depression’s high treatment success rate, nearly two out of three people suffering from depression do not actively seek nor receive proper treatment. (DBSA, 1996)
Untreated depression is the leading cause of suicide. Suicide (taking one’s own life) is a serious public health problem that devastates individuals, families, and communities. It is the 11th leading cause of death among Americans (PreventSuicideNow.com, Anderson and Smith 2003, CDC.gov)
Depression has had an impact on your organization.
Depression ranks among the top three work place issues, following only family crisis and stress. (EAP 1996)
Employees suffer from the impact of depression when working with others who are depressed and when caring for loved ones at home.
Fifteen to 20% of US families are caring for an older relative. A survey of these adult caregivers found that 58% showed clinically significant depressive symptoms. (Family Caregiver Alliance, 1997)
As many as one in 33 children and one in eight adolescents have clinical depression. (Center for Mental Health Services, U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services, 1996)
As many as one in eight adolescents have clinical depression. (Center for Mental Health Services, U.S. Dept. of Health and Human services, 1996)
If your employees do not seek treatment for depression, it costs your business in health expenditures, absenteeism, lost productivity and performance mistakes.
Depression’s annual toll on U.S. businesses amounts to about $70 billion in medical expenditures, lost productivity and other costs. (The Wall Street Journal, 2001, National Institute of Mental Health, 1999)
Depression accounts for close to $12 billion in lost workdays each year. (The Wall Street Journal, 2001, National Institute of Mental Health, 1999)
More than $11 billion in other costs accrue from decreased productivity due to symptoms that sap energy, affect work habits, cause problems with concentration, memory, and decision-making. (The Wall Street Journal, 2001, National Institute of Mental Health, 1999)
Supporting organizations that focus on depression outreach is beneficial to your organization.
A reduction of depression in employees and customers leads to increased profits.
The 35 million people suffering from depression, as well as their friends and family, would be supportive of an organization that aids in combating depression. (The 35 million estimate is probably low, since over 75% of depression sufferers do not feel comfortable discussing depression.) |
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