Nearly 15 million Americans each year are affected by a serious illness called depression.

It is a disease.

It's not a reflection on the personal attributes of the patient despite it being a mental illness. Depression can strike every person. It has no reasoning for its path. Executives to janitors can be affected. Race or religion aren't important. The fact that you are suffering from this disease does not mean that you are less a human being.

Mental illness comes with stereotypes, ignore them. Without treatment it will get worse. Pretending nothing is wrong won't chase away this problem. This medical condition will progress until it takes over your whole life unless treated.

Many things contribute to depression. It's not a matter of a day or two of confusion or sadness, this disease is much more. Months or even years are the time frame in which depression plays. Suicide often results from depression. Early stages involve feelings of regret. The pleasure from favorite activities might disappear.

It's possible to experience loneliness and despair. It could lead to feelings of failure and a sense of the future only getting worse. Your entire personality can change as time passes. You will feel the affects at work, at school and at home. Anxiety grows and sleep patterns change.

As previously stated there are many factors that lead to depression. A major contributer is stress. Stress caused by the loss of a loved one or from a serious illness that you have been diagnosed with. It can be passed on genetically. 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. 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. A loved one or you have to look for the help.

The most common form of treatment for depression is 'talk therapy' and 'anti-depressants' such as Prozac.

But medications often have side effects, including causing more depression, as well as they can be expensive as can a psychiatrist or psychologist. 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.

Anyone who wants help with depression can find it.

Brian