Depression is a serious infliction that affects almost 15 million Americans every year.  It’s a proven illness.  Although it is defined as a mental illness this is no reflection on the personal attributes of the inflicted.  Depression can affect anyone.  There’s no logic to its onset.  Executives to janitors can be affected.  Race or religion aren’t important.  The fact that you are suffering from this disease does not mean that you are less a human being.  The age-old stereotype that has been associated with a mental illness must be ignored.  The longer a patient goes without treatment, the worse this disease becomes.  It will not simply go away if you ignore the symptoms.  If a person doesn’t seek medical attention, the disease becomes worse until it dominates their entire life. 

Depression is brought on by many factors in our life.  Feeling sad or anxious for a day or two is not the extent of this disease.  Months or even years are the time frame in which depression plays.  Depression at its worse can lead one to the act of suicide.  Early stages involve feelings of regret.  The pleasure from favorite activities might disappear.  You can experience loneliness and despair.  It could lead to feelings of failure and a sense of the future only getting worse.  Your entire personality can change as time passes.  You will feel the affects at work, at school and at home.  Anxiety grows and sleep patterns change. 

Depression has many causes.  A major contributer is stress.  Stress itself has many causes such as losing a friend or being told you have a serious medical condition.  DNA is a factor. It can result from physical, sexual or even mental abuse.  Looking at the monthly bills might cause it.  There is so much stress in the world today to compete and satisfy those in our society.  Don’t forget that it’s a serious condition.  The good news is that there is depression help if you choose to seek it.  Only about 4.5 million of the 15 million Americans who suffer from depression each year will admit the problem and seek help.  A loved one or you have to look for the help.

Prozac and other medications, along with psychotherapy, are a common combination treatment.  This typical form of treatment can be expensive and have side effects including anxiety and even greater depression.  Hyperforin, an anti-depressant ingredient, is found in many natural medications.  There are support groups that are aimed at assisting those affected by this terrible illness.  The bottom line is this there is help for depression but you have to want it or someone has to want it for you.