THE FACTS ON DEPRESSION

Nine out of 10 depressions are “self-limiting,” and most end within nine months to a year. No one knows why.

Most major antidepressants require two to three weeks to take hold. Psychotherapy usually takes longer.

Shock treatments work in a matter of a few days and succeed in 90% of cases.

Light therapy takes two or three days to alleviate seasonal depression.

One in five people suffer at least one episode of depression in their lives.

Twice as many women as men attempt suicide.

Three times as many men as women complete suicide.

More women than men experience depression--or at least more women than men seek help.

Men and women experience manic depression in equal numbers.