Depression is a very common yet treatable condition.  About 1 in 4 women and 1 in 10 men will be diagnosed in their lifetime.  Less than one-third of people with depression seek help.  However, of those who do, 3 out of 4 are treated successfully.  Spotting the warning signs and seeking help are the first steps toward successful treatment.

What causes Depression?

No one knows the exact answer to this question.
Several factors may be involved.  The most common
belief is that it is a chemical imbalance in one or more neurotransmitters, important brain chemical messengers that transmit information across various pathways of the brain.  These factors may make you more susceptible:

     * A family history of the condition
     * A stressful event
     * The 3 month period after childbirth
     * Menopause
 

Questionnaire:
For the past two weeks, have you had any of the following
problems nearly every day?

     1. Trouble falling or staying asleep
         or sleeping too much
     2. Feeling tired or having little energy?
     3. Poor appetite or overeating?
     4. Little interest or pleasure in doing things?
     5. Feeling down, depressed or hopeless?
     6. Feeling bad about yourself -- or that you are a
         failure or have let yourself or your family down?
     7. Trouble concentrating on things, such as reading
        the newspaper or watching television?
     8. Being so fidgety or restless that you are 
         moving around a lot more than usual?
     9. In the last two weeks, have you had thoughts
         of hurting yourself in some way or that you
         would be better off dead?
    10. Have you answered yes to five or more of these 
          questions (one of which was #4 or #5?

If you answered yes to question #10, you may have depression.  You should consult your doctor for a thorough evaluation.
 

Living with someone with depression can be difficult.
However, relatives and friends can make a difference.

You should:
  * Listen
     * Be supportive
     * Be understanding
     * Be sympathetic

You should not:
     * Criticize
     * Take it personally
     * Feel responsible
     * Push
     * Patronize
     * Lose your temper
     * Feel guilty

Depression can affect anyone

Depression affects people of different sex, race, age or religion.  The following very famous and successful people in history have suffered from depression:

     * Abraham Lincoln, President of the U.S.A.
     * Winston Churchill, PM of England
     * Vincent Van Gogh, Painert

Misconceptions

Depression is an illness not a weakness in character.
It is not something that will go away with positive
thinking and having a "stiff upper lip."  Some other misconceptions are:

     * Being sad is an essential component
     * The person just needs cheering up
     * Talking about suicide will encourage it

Successful Treatment

Fortunately, about 75% of people can be helped with the
following:

     * Counseling
     * Self-help groups
     * Support of family and friends
     * Antidepressants