Solution
Preeti answered on
Dec 01 2021
Discussion Paper: Depression and Anxiety among US adults and Children
Introduction
Depression and anxiety is considered as one of the most common health issue prevailing in the US according to National Institute of Mental Health (National Institute of Mental Health, 2019). For many individuals, depression and anxiety causes severe mental impairments that interfere or affect one’s ability to perform daily routine mental and physical activities. A person experiencing depression and anxiety for at least two weeks notices sharp declines in mood and pleasure in daily activities, and other symptoms such as loss of interest, problem with sleep, eating disorders, lack of concentration, and low energy. Major depressive symptoms also caused by medical illness, substance use disorders and medications (Manaf, e.d.,2016).
The prevalence, causes, effects and mitigation strategies of depression and anxiety in context to US adults and children also discussed below:
Depression and anxiety among younger adults and students
According to National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), around 17.3 million adults in the US experience at least one depressive disorder. This figure constitutes 7.1% of adults’ population of the country (National Institute of Mental Health, 2019). The prevalence of depressive disorder is found as higher among adult females as compared to males; also, individuals aged 18-25 years face high depressive disorders (National Institute of Mental Health, 2019).
Some major findings of depression and anxiety among US adults are shown below with the help of underlying figure:
(Source: National Institute of Mental Health, 2019).
The National Survey On Drug Use and Health conducted by US Department of Health and Human Services surveyed over 600,000 Americans youth and adults. According to the survey, rate of depression and anxiety among adults aged between 20 to 21 years old has doubled, the figure rose from 7% to 15%. The rate of depression among 16-to 17 years old increased to 69% from 2009 to 2017 (Twenge, 2019). The psychological distress in terms of anxiety and hopelessness among 18 to 25 years jumped to 71% from 2008 to 2017. With respect to rate of suicide in 2017, it is also found as twice among 22 to 23 year olds, compared to 2008, with 55% expereinced more suicidal thoughts. The increased statistics prevailed more among girls and young women. A recent study conducted by Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), around 19.1% of US adults experience mental illness, anxeity and depressive disorders in 2018. Also, 4.6% of US adults experience severe forms of mental illness in 2018, this figure represents one in twenty-five adults (Twenge, 2019).
Causes and effects of the problem/issue
Depression and anxiety is found as increasing among Americans especially among youth and children, having serious individual and societal consequences. The rapid or increasing rates of depression among young adults and children outline the need of understanding reason or causes of its prevalence, and, its outreaching consequences. The rates of depression are most common among adults and children with least access to education and health care facilities. The recent data of depression and anxiety is noticed more in case of socioeconomically vulnerable individuals and young persons with lower levels of income and education (Suleiman, ed., 2017).
Lifestyle and nutrition are found as main causes of the problem, along with it, pharmaceutical drugs also contribute and make the issue worsen. Physical health is believed as an important foundation for good...