At least half a million New Yorkers are depressed

By Fusion Staff  |  November 13, 2015 | 1:30pm
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According to a report released today by the New York City Mayor’s Office, more than 500,000 New Yorkers—roughly 6%—are depressed. And about 20% experience some sort of mental health disorder each year.

Other stats offered by the report aren’t any better. The authors write:

– 8% of NYC public high school students report attempting suicide.
– 73,000 New York City public high school students report feeling sad or hopeless each month.
– Approximately 8% of adult New Yorkers experience symptoms of depression each year.
– Major depressive disorder is the single greatest source of disability in NYC.

There is also a chance that these are low figures. Dr. Gary Belkin, of the city’s Department of Health, told the New York Daily News that the numbers are “conservative,” adding “there’s a lot we don’t know.”

According to the Daily News, the report wasn’t just released to bum New Yorkers out—Mayor Bill de Blasio is expected to announce some initiatives to help make New Yorkers mentally healthier in the coming weeks.

Good luck, sir.

Danielle Wiener-Bronner is a news reporter.

 
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