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

It's a proven illness.
It's not a reflection on the personal attributes of the patient despite it being a mental illness. Anyone can contract depression. It has no reasoning for its path. It will affect the rich as well as the poor. It takes no race into consideration. It's not true that only weaker people suffer from this problem. Mental illness comes with stereotypes, ignore them. Without treatment it will get worse. Ignoring the signs will not make it disappear. This medical condition will progress until it takes over your whole life unless treated.

Many things contribute to depression.
Feeling sad or anxious for a day or two is not the extent of this disease. Months or even years are the time frame in which depression plays. The worst effects of depression can be physical illness and even suicide. Remorse is often a feeling associated with the early stages. The pleasure from favorite activities might disappear. Loneliness and despair are common. It could lead to feelings of failure and a sense of the future only getting worse. Your entire personality can change as time passes. It impacts every phase of life from work and school to at home. Expect insomnia and increased anxiety.

Depression has many causes. Stress can be a major factor.
Stress caused by the loss of a loved one or from a serious illness that you have been diagnosed with. DNA is a factor. Suffering abuse can bring on stress. Even something as simple as reading the financial news can create it. Modern life is filled with stress. This condition can be serious. But for people who look for it there is help. Only about 4.5 million of the 15 million Americans who suffer from depression each year will admit the problem and seek help. A loved one or you have to look for the help.

Medications like Prozac and “couch therapy” are often combined to treat depression.
But medications often have side effects, including causing more depression, as well as they can be expensive as can a psychiatrist or psychologist. Hyperforin, an anti-depressant ingredient, is found in many natural medications. Another effective treatment for this terrible disease is the support of others who suffer it. The bottom line is this there is help for depression but you have to want it or someone has to want it for you.

Evan