The most common immediate cause of depression is the loss of personal worth and self-esteem. In some cases, several causes may be tightly intertwined creating a downward spiral. The interaction of a painful event, weak coping skills, negative thinking, and self-devaluing behavior all create a feeling of helplessness and hopelessness. An estimated 17 percent of the population suffers from affective illness that includes ten million Americans every year. The chance of someone who lives to age 70 becoming seriously depressed at least once is now 7.8 percent for men and 20 percent for women.
Depression affects people of all ages but is less common for teenagers than for adults.
Approximately 3 to 5 percent of the teen population experiences clinical depression every year. At any stage, women tend to become depressed about disruptions or losses in relationships, while male depression often centers on failure and frustration within careers. Three of the most prevalent types of depressive disorders are listed below. It's important to remember that within these types, there are variations in the number of symptoms, severity, and persistence. Major depression is manifested by a combination of symptoms that interfere with the ability to work, sleep, and enjoy once pleasurable activities.