U.S. adults spent an average of three days a month feeling "sad, blue, or depressed" during 1995-2000, according to a study. Those who reported more sad days a month also tended to engage in unhealthy behaviors such as cigarette smoking and leading a sedentary lifestyle. Women reported feeling depressed more commonly than men, and young adults--those aged between 18 and 24 years--reported the highest number of days with depressive symptoms. Income also appeared to play a role. Those with with household incomes over $50,000 were sad for only two days a month, compared with 6 days for those with household incomes of less than $15,000. People who said they were unable to work experienced the highest number of "sad, blue or depressed days"--10.2 days. Everyone has days when they feel down, but if you feel sad more often than not, you may want to read my treatment options for healing depression.
EurekAlert July 29, 2004