Are You or Someone You Know Depressed?

Depression is a mental illness that effects approximately 1 in every 18 individuals or about 14.4 million people in the United States. Depression does not discriminate and effects adults, children, the elderly and all races. Depression can strike in people who are successful and wealthy as well as those who may be homeless. Depression causes people to feel alone, hopeless, devastated and helpless over their own lives.

The symptoms of depression vary from each individual. The most common symptoms include:

Continuous sadness, anxiety or feeling "empty"

Feeling hopeless and pessimistic

Having a loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies or activities that the person used to enjoy.

Feeling guilty, worthless and helpless

Having trouble concentrating, remembering or making decisions

Decreased energy, fatigue

Increase or a decrease in amount of sleep

Changes in appetite (dramatic weight gain or loss)

Suicidal or homicidal thoughts

Being restless or irritable

Physical symptoms that do not respond to treatment such as headaches, digestive problems and chronic pain

Individuals may experience only a few of these symptoms depending on the severity of their condition. Everyone has experienced at least one of these symptoms at some time in their lives, the problem occurs when the person is experiencing these symptoms persistently and cannot function in everyday activities such as work or school. Many times, people who suffer from depression quit their jobs, drop out of school and shut themselves off from society. This is a serious illness and requires treatment so that the individual can return back to living happy and healthy.

Treatment depends on the severity of the depression. Some individuals are able to find relief from psychotherapy alone. Many individuals need extra support during a crisis and no medications are needed. However, most people need the conjunction of both medications and psychotherapy.

Depression is a chemical imbalance in the brain and the help of psychotropic medication can help this imbalance. There are four types of medications used to treat depression: