11 Statistics That Will Change The Way You Think About Depression

Depression has a way of tricking even the happiest of people into thinking that life isn't worth experiencing. Their energy is evaporated, what once was pleasurable is now less-than appealing and the physical symptoms are completely taxing.

Sounds pretty terrible, right?

While many people consider mental illness in the abstract -- an affliction outside the realm of possibility in their own lives -- the sad reality is that these disorders are distressingly common.

Below are 11 statistics that show depression has a greater impact than you might think.

The number of people globally who are affected by some form of depression.

The percentage of adolescents who have a depressive disorder by the age of 18.

The percentage by which women are more likely than men to experience depression in their lifetime.

The estimated number of U.S. adults who had at least one major depressive episode 2012. This made up approximately 6.9 percent of all adults in the country.

The percentage of women from a 2013 postpartum depression study who had the disorder four to six weeks after giving birth.

The number of college students who reported feeling depressed, which disrupted their ability to function in school.

The estimated annual cost of depression in the U.S. due to lost productivity and health care.

The number of ambulatory care visits from a 2010 CDC report where a major depressive disorder was the primary diagnosis.

The percentage of Americans with major depression who don't seek treatment for the mental illness.

The estimated number of American adults age 65 and older who have a diagnosable depressive disorder.

The number of weeks psychotherapy treatments for depression usually lasts (though it varies depending on the condition). In order for antidepressants to take full effect, experts recommend giving the medication four to six weeks. Find out more about the different type of depression therapies here.

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Need help? In the U.S., call 1-800-273-8255 for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.