Estimates are that almost 15 million Americans suffer from Depression, a serious problem.

Make no mistake, it is a real disease.
It's not a reflection on the personal attributes of the patient despite it being a mental illness. Depression can strike every person. There's no logic to its onset. Executives to janitors can be affected. Race or religion aren't important. Strength or weakness isn't a factor with this disease.

Mental illness comes with stereotypes, ignore them.
Without treatment it will get worse. It will not simply go away if you ignore the symptoms. Untreated this illness will advance and will take over your life.

Many things contribute to depression.
It's not a matter of a day or two of confusion or sadness, this disease is much more. The affects of true depression can last for months and years. Suicide often results from depression. In its early stages it may just make you feel remorse. The pleasure from favorite activities might disappear. You can experience loneliness and despair. It could lead to feelings of failure and a sense of the future only getting worse. Day by day your personality changes to the point that your friends don't recognize your actions. It impacts every phase of life from work and school to at home. Anxiety grows and sleep patterns change.

Depression has many causes.
A major contributer is stress. A serious illness or the loss of a loved one can cause stress. It can be passed on genetically. Suffering abuse can bring on stress. Even something as simple as reading the financial news can create it. There is so much stress in the world today to compete and satisfy those in our society. Don't forget that it's a serious condition. The good news is that there is help if you choose to seek it. Only about one third of the 15 million people who have depression will seek treatment according to data. It's important that you look for assistance, or if a loved one is affected find help for them.

Prozac and other medications, along with psychotherapy, are a common combination treatment.
This typical form of treatment can be expensive and have side effects including anxiety and even greater depression. There are natural medications available that contain the ingredient 'hyperforin' that are just as effective as the prescribed anti-depressants. There is also assistance for this terrible illness in the form of support groups. Whether you want it or someone pushes you to it, there is help around for depression.

Evan