Depression in California

Depression and Anxiety Rates in California

Depression and anxiety are often linked together. People with anxiety disorder often suffer from depression, and people with depression often suffer from anxiety. In fact, nearly half of those diagnosed with depression are also diagnosed with an anxiety disorder, according to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America.

Depression in our Community

We know that if someone receives combined treatment for depression, combined meaning psychotherapy and medication versus medication alone, their likelihood of controlling their depression and achieving a healthy life are much higher. To receive that treatment, individuals and families need to reach out for assistance. Aspire Counseling Services offers teen mental health services Simi Valley, CA and Bakersfield, CA

The Center for Disease Control has collected data regarding rates of depression and access to mental health care. The results showed that all states that have higher access to mental health care are experiencing lower rates of depression; that is, all states except for California. In the state of California, depression continues to increase regardless of the greater access to health care. People must access health care to receive treatment and make a difference.

Over 19% of adults in California have been diagnosed with a depressive disorder in 2017. In fact, depression is one of the most common forms of mental disability. Roughly two million people in California each year from 2011 to 2015 experienced a major depressive episode. A major depressive episode (MDE) is when someone experiences a depressed mood with specified depression symptoms that lasts at least two weeks. Aspire Counseling Services offers teen mental health treatment in Simi Valley, CA  and Bakersfield, CA.

Depression rates in California

Depression has also steadily been increasing among teens in California. One in eight teens reported experiencing a major depressive episode in the past year. Approximately 70% of teens who have MDE experience functional limitations that meet the criteria for a serious emotional disturbance, according to the California Healthcare Foundation. In California, ages 12-17 experience an MDE at a rate higher than the national average. Aspire Counseling Services offers teen depression treatment in Simi Valley, CA  and Bakersfield, CA.

Only two-thirds of California adults who report a major depressive episode receive treatment. Only one-third of adolescents with an MDE received treatment.  There are many reasons that people do not receive treatment, such as lack of insurance, or financial reasons, or in some cases lack of resources. Fortunately, in California there are mental health care resources, including in Kern County and Simi Valley. Aspire Counseling Services offers teen mental health treatment Simi Valley, CA and Bakersfield, CA

Untreated anxiety and depression can lead to suicide. Most people who commit suicide have a mental or emotional disorder, with 30% to 70% experiencing depression or bipolar disorder. Nationwide, suicides have increased dramatically. In 2017, more than 4,300 Californians died by suicide, a 52% increase from 2001. Suicide among adolescents ages 15 to 19 increased 63%. In 2018, of all California regions, the Northern and Sierra region had the highest suicide rate, at 20%, twice the state average of 10%. The Central Coast, Sacramento, and San Diego areas also had higher-than-average rates, while Los Angeles County had the lowest in the state, at 7%.  The rate in the San Joaquin Valley was 10%. For adults age 45 and older, the suicide rates were significantly higher than for younger age groups. For older adults, most suicides are associated with physical disease.

High school students who self-reported attempted suicide is also on the rise. Females are almost twice as high as males for self-reported suicide attempts. Suicide attempts that result in injury, poisoning, or overdose that were treated by a doctor or nurse was higher for males in California, but not nationally.

While the statistics are showing an increase, there is hope that the rates will decline, because mental healthcare is becoming more accessible. Teen mental health services in Simi Valley, CA, are available, with many resources to obtain it, even without insurance. So, if you or a loved one need help to deal with depression or anxiety, please contact Aspire Counseling Services for help.