How many suffer?

Each year in the United States, depressive disorders affect an estimated 17 million people or about 14% of adult person; 10% in Germany; 7% in Brazil; 4.2% in Turkey; 5.3% in the Philippines (Perlas, 1994).
One in four women is likely to experience an episode of severe depression in her lifetime, with 10-20% lifetime prevalence, compared to 5-10% for men.
The average age a first depressive episode occurs is in the mid-20s, although the disorder strikes all age groups indiscriminately, from children to the elderly.
Common among those without close relationship, separated and divorced.