Depression is a complicated illness. Depression can linger and grow for months or even years before being detected . Researchers know that different types of depression will afflict 15 million people in the USA annually.  Unfortunately fewer than 1/3 of these people will look for help for depression.  Those with the disease don’t even know it in many cases.  Every day stress is common in the modern world. The road blocks in life have become more severe.  Many people live pay check to pay check.  Trouble in the economy has made it more difficult than ever to keep a good job.  Stress leads to depression.  

Countless types of depression exist.  Many of the types have similar names and meanings. There is mental depression, medical depression, clinical depression and manic depression.  Severe depression refers to the most advanced form of the illness.  Many things cause depression.  One of these is simple biology, brain chemistry issues.  DNA also carries depression.  If your mother and great grandmother suffered depression it’s possible you will too.

Common factors can lead to different types of depression.  Substance abuse can lead to depression.  Alcohol or drugs both show links to depression.  The death of a family member can increase the chance for depression.  Mental depression historically has a stigma associated with it.  It was considered a personal fault before it was recognized as a disease.  As a result treatment wasn’t applied in a way that could help the patient.  Each depression phase has it’s own negative results.  Therefore treatment requires early detection.

When it has become severe depression treatment is needed ASAP.  When depression has reached this level then the thought of suicide is ever apparent.  The opportunities for help have passed because the cries for help haven’t been heard.   Treatments include a combination of talk therapy and prescription drugs.  Also available are support groups that can help.  Natural herbs have also been found to work.  There are options available to those who suffer from all types of depression.  Seek medical help if you or anyone you know shows signs of depression.