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 affect anyone.

There's no logic to its onset.

Executives to janitors can be affected.

Race isn't a factor.

It's not true that only weaker people suffer from this problem.

The age-old stereotype that has been associated with a mental illness must be ignored.

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. It's not a matter of a day or two of confusion or sadness, this disease is much more.

Depression can be a matter of months and even years.

Depression at its worse can lead one to the act of suicide.

Remorse is often a feeling associated with the early stages.

It's possible that the disease will steal away the enjoyment you used to have for favorite hobbies.

It's possible to experience loneliness and despair.

You may feel like a failure at life and cannot see where the future is going to get any better.

Your entire personality can change as time passes.

It impacts every phase of life from work and school to at home.

It will upset your sleep habits and cause your anxiety to grow.

Depression has many causes.

A major contributer is stress.

Stress itself has many causes such as losing a friend or being told you have a serious medical condition.

DNA is a factor.

It can be caused by abuse rather it be physical, emotional or sexual.

Much of the time it can be felt because of simply trying to get by financially in everyday life.

Modern life is filled with stress.

This disease can become very dangerous.

But for people who look for it there is help. 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.

Natural alternatives exist that contain hyperforin, known to work as well as anti-depressant medicines.

Another effective treatment for this terrible disease is the support of others who suffer it.

Whether you want it or someone pushes you to it, there is help around for depression.

Kevin