It takes months or even years to cure or manage serious depression, a real mental illness.

Every year, millions of Americans feel the symptoms of depression.
Only about a third of them will seek treatment, and that makes it worse. Many Americans don't want to be considered crazy, so because depression is considered a mental affliction they avoid diagnosis. Instead of being considered mentally ill, people try to manage the problem themselves. Depression doesn't just stop, and it's a lot more common than people think.

What are the causes for depression?
The answer isn't that simple because there are many elements to depression. There are so many things factored into the cause of this disease. Here are a few of the parts of depression. A chemical imbalance is widely considered to be the main cause for depression. But what causes the imbalance? Generally the causes are internal – biological issues, genetic disposition, mental problems – but there are external causes as well. In many cases the underlying cause is never identified. Many become depressed when they are diagnosed with a very serious medical condition. This is especially the case if the diagnosis presents the possibility of death or impairment.

The loss of a loved one or treasured possession can have a tremendous impact resulting in depression.
Depression often follows sexual or physical abuse, or emotional attacks. Substance abuse, either drug or alcohol, can also cause depression. People's mental states are fragile. If exposed to the wrong pressures, depression can result. There can also be a genetic element to depression. Those afflicted have a family history of the disease . Oddly, many drugs including those that regulate depression or anxiety can cause depression. High blood pressure medication can result in depression.

Depression can result from stress.
In our lives many events and elements can cause stress. Even positive events such as a marriage, a new baby or winning an award can cause stress. The unknown is often the root cause of this stress, whether it be positive or negative. In addition, many are stressed from personal conflicts with their loved ones, associates in employment or friends. Just trying to make ends meet is stressful for some people. Knowing is half the battle. Seek medical help if you or a loved one suffer from depression.

Evan