In the United States, major depression is one of the most common mental illnesses. It is estimated that more than 16 million US adults ages 18 or older have had at least one major depressive episode in the past twelve months, more than 6.9% of all US adults. Though more common in women than men, it is a disorder that can effect anyone. The most affected age range is 18 to 25, when 8.9% of adults in that age range have had a 12-month prevalence of a major depressive episode. While the sheer number of individuals affected by depression is alone shocking and upsetting, perhaps even more upsetting is that the prevalence of depression is highest in college students than in any other age range.
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