Clinical depression (major depressive disorder) and bipolar disorder (manic-depressive illness) are serious brain illnesses affecting approximately 23 million Americans. Among all medical illnesses, major depression and bipolar disorders are the leading causes of disability in the United States and the world.

Depression is prevalent, affecting 17% of people in their lifetime, while bipolar afflicts an additional 3 – 4% of the population.  Both disorders have onsets during young ages with symptoms characteristically beginning between the ages of 15 and 24; both are accentuated by stresses that cannot be avoided; both are made worse by sleep disturbances and alcohol. While quite treatable when detected early, both disorders tend to recur and worsen with each new episode when left untreated.  Tragically, most people suffering with clinical depression or bipolar disorder remain undiagnosed and untreated.  Untreated depression and bipolar disorder commonly lead to job loss, substance abuse, financial hardship, disrupted family and personal relationships, co-occurring physical ailments such as increased heart disease and diabetes, and even suicide.  Suicide, secondary to clinical depression, is the second and third most common causes of death among high school and college students, respectively.  These tragic losses of young lives can be averted with appropriate interventions. The University of Michigan Depression Center is dedicated to reversing this debilitating pattern. 

When recognized, diagnosed and treated early, the majority of those with major depression and bipolar are effectively treated and maintain wellness.   However, stigma and misinformation remain devastating barriers and prevent most from doing so.  Some of the stumbling blocks to early diagnosis, effective treatment and eventual recovery for depression and bipolar include:

• a lack of understanding or unwarranted sense of hopelessness about brain disorders;
• a tendency to attribute appearance of depressive and bipolar symptoms during adolescent, college or military years to “youth,” immaturity, alcohol, and other causes, when underlying depression or bipolar are sometimes the etiology.  This misses the opportunity for early intervention, when results are better;
• stigma about these disorders that encourages use of other terms and other treatments, again without addressing core causes;
• a shortage of educational resources necessary to help patients understand and participate in the most effective treatment strategies possible;
• public health policies that still lack parity, discourage maintenance treatments when indicated, and produce financial hardships for patients and families. 

Empowerment via education, and breaking down stigma via effective patient and public education have been top priorities for the Depression Center since its inception in 2001. Mobilizing patients, families and communities with knowledge is one of the Center’s foundations. For more information about the University of Michigan Depression Center, please visit www.depressioncenter.org.