Depression

Everyone feels down from time to time, but some people struggle much more than others. Depression is a serious mental illness. It can have a tremendous impact on all aspects of life, including work and family.

Many people consider depression to be nothing more than a chemical imbalance in the brain, but this is an overly simplistic way to look at it. The truth is that depression is caused by a combination of many different factors, including a person’s biology, personality and environment. As such, it takes a multi-pronged treatment plan (including antidepressant drugs and cognitive-behavioral psychotherapy) for many people to begin to feel better.

Another mistake that people make is considering depression to be a new phenomenon or a symptom of contemporary society. Depression has affected people throughout history. It’s only in recent years, however, that doctors have become good at diagnosing and treating depression. In ancient times, people suffering from mental illnesses were often shunned from society.

If you suspect that someone you know is depressed, immediately seek professional help.

5 Things You Need to Know

  1. It is estimated that between 11 and 17 million Americans suffer from depression (this equates to 5 to 10 percent of the total population).
  2. Women are more likely to suffer from depression than men. One in four women (as opposed to one in ten men) will be diagnosed with depression at least once in their lives. This disparity may be due to the fact that men are much less likely to talk to their doctor about depression.
  3. Symptoms of depression can include a lack of energy, a lack of interest in social interaction, difficulty concentrating, irritability, trouble sleeping, increased or decreased appetite, muscle pain and headaches.
  4. Depression can put you at serious risk of suicide. More men die from self-inflicted causes than women, but more women attempt suicide than men.
  5. Less than one-third of people with depression seek professional treatment.

3 Questions You Need to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What is the cause of my depression?
  2. What treatment plan can help me deal with my depression?
  3. How can I change my lifestyle to feel better?

Also Known As: Clinical Depression, manic depression, despair, dejection, hopelessness

Your health is too important to take lightly. The information on this website is intended to start you down the path to living well, but it’s only just the beginning.

Each of us is unique, and we all deserve the individual attention that only a health care professional can provide. So do what’s in your best interest - take the next step and find doctors or surgeons in your area today.