If you are struggling with depression, you are not alone. In addition to seeking professional help, educate yourself with these self-assessment tools and books, and connect with others on Oprah.com.
The Facts
Almost 19 million Americans suffer from clinical depression—almost 10 percent of the population. Twice as many women suffer from depression as men and a recent study by the National Institute of Mental Health suggests that 1 in 8 women will experience depression in her life time.

Bipolar disorder, once known as manic depression, affects 2.3 million Americans. Men and women are equally likely to develop it. Its sufferers endure cycles of devastating lows and euphoric and compulsive highs. People with bipolar disorder have three times the alcohol and drug abuse rate as the rest of the population. The mania, or the highs, can lead to destructive, extreme and reckless behavior including violence, aggression, compulsive shopping and/or sexual promiscuity. The irrational highs are followed by periods of deep, paralyzing depression. Many bipolar people commit suicide—20 percent end up dying by their own hands.

Understanding DepressionSelf-Assessment ToolsPostpartum DepressionRelated Books
  • On the Couch
    by Lorraine Bracco
  • Morning Has Broken: A Couple's Journey Through Depression
    by Emme Aronson and Phillip Aronson
  • Anatomy of a Secret Life
    by Gail Saltz, M.D.
  • Down Came the Rain
    by Brooke Shields
  • Women's Moods
    by Dr. Deborah Sichel
  • When Words Are Not Enough: The Women's Prescription for Depression and Anxiety
    by Dr. Valerie Davis Raskin and Karen R. Kleiman
  • This Isn't What I Expected: Overcoming Postpartum Depression
    by Dr. Valerie Davis Raskin and Karen R. Kleiman
  • The Noonday Demon: An Atlas of Depression
    by Andrew Solomon
Published 01/01/2006

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