Are You Depressed?......Know Depression

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Everyone has ups and downs. But if you find that you are frequently down or that your feelings of being down seriously interfere with your usual activities, depression may be a likely diagnosis. Depression can be triggered by a major life event, such as the death of a loved one, separation, divorce, or a health problem (12 percent to 36 percent of patients with medical disorders develop depression). It also can be caused by an underlying medical disorder or interactions between various drugs. Chronic drinking of alcohol, even in moderate amounts, can cause or worsen depression. Depression can be mild to severe. Many depressed people describe their condition as "living in a fog." They have limited interest in the activities of daily living. If you suspect that you or a loved one is clinically depressed, it's best to see your doctor for a professional evaluation. An estimated 80 percent of depressed individuals can be treated, with most feeling better within weeks. More than 18 million people in the United States suffer from depression. About twice as many women as men suffer from this medical condition. Major depression is a whole-body illness that affects a person's body, feelings, thoughts, and behavior. Everyone experiences bouts of the blues or periods of sadness now and then. However, if these feelings last more than a couple of weeks or interfere with daily life, a person may be suffering from clinical depression. Depression involves a set of symptoms that can last for months and sometimes years. It is not a sign of personal weakness or a condition that can be willed or wished away. People with depression cannot merely "pull themselves together" and get better. Professional treatment is needed.