While it is natural and only human to experience feelings of sadness or melancholy every now and then, clinical depression occurs when these feelings endure for long periods of time. People suffering from depression feel sad and gloomy most of the time and/or can be generally irritable and agitated. Individuals who are depressed often dread getting out of bed in the morning, do not enjoy what used to be pleasurable activities for them, cannot sleep or sleep too much, have decreased or no energy, and cannot concentrate well. In addition, they often have difficulty in relationships, suffer from poor self-esteem, and generally are unhappy. In more serious cases, people with depression have thoughts about killing themselves and often wish they were dead. A person with depression can feel alone and isolated, as if no one around them understands or sees their suffering.

Despite the potentially serious negative effects of depression, many people do not seek treatment. Many adults see depression as a sign of personal weakness or a condition that can be willed or wished away. In addition, some people have been depressed for such a long time that they do not see a way out of the downward cycle. Furthermore, chronic untreated depression can create a pattern of negative self-thoughts that worsens the illness and hinders recovery.

What causes depression?

• A recent event or string of events in one's life that have been very hard or stressful
• Genetic predisposition Family history and genetics play a part in the greater likelihood of someone becoming depressed in their lifetime
• Nutritional, hormonal, endocrine or electrolyte abnormalities
• Chronic stress is linked to depression
• Some medical illnesses are linked to depression, such as diabetes and neurological disorders
• People dealing with a physical illness often develop depression

We know that there are biological components to every depression, and medication has been proven to be very helpful in treating depression. Yet, many people need to make life changes and/or deal with emotional conflicts in order to fully recover and prevent relapse. Thus, medication and psychotherapy are often used together to treat depression.

Facts:

• Depression is one of the most common and most serious mental health problems facing people today.
• Approximately 9.5 percent of the population, or about 18.8 million American adults, suffer from a depressive illness each year.
• One in four women and one in ten men can expect to suffer from depression in their lifetime.
• Those who seem to be most likely to experience depression are married women, women in poverty, adolescents, and unmarried men.
• Depression is an illness that can be successfully treated in more than eighty percent of the people who have it.
• Depression is the leading cause of alcohol and drug addictions
• Depression is one of the most common reasons for missed work days in America

Key Points:

• Depression is not something to be ashamed of.
• Depression is not the same thing as feeling "blue" or "down."
• Depression is not a character flaw or the sign of a weak personality.