Depression                                                                   HOME

            Clinical Depression is a mental illness affecting more than 10 million

Americans.  In addition, a number of studies have indicated that one in six

Americans will suffer a major episode of depression in his or her lifetime.  Depression is one of the most common mental illnesses, occurring in all parts of the world. It has few boundaries--affecting all people, regardless of sex, race, ethnicity, or socioeconomic standing. However, research has revealed that women are two to three times more likely than men to suffer from depression.

            Depression occurs in all parts of the world, although the pattern of symptoms can vary. Numerous large-scale studies have shown that the number of people suffering from depression has increased worldwide over the past twenty years.  Furthermore, people are experiencing depression at a much earlier age than ever before. Many reasons for this growing phenomenon have been proposed by Social scientists.  Among their theories are the changes we see in typical family structures, especially with the increase in divorce rates; the spread of urbanization, and the reduced cultural and religious influences on a global scale. 

In the United States, the National Institute of Mental Health has estimated that depression costs our society many billions of dollars each year, mostly in lost work time.  It has been cited as the leading cause of disability for people five years and older.  The word "depression" is commonly used to describe temporary states of sadness, loneliness, or melancholy.  However, these emotions are common and healthy to express when one has such feelings.  They become significant when a person is so severely depressed that he or she is unable to perform normal functions of life such as work or in social situations.  For children, they will have problems at school and/or have poor social interactions.  In either case, this form of depression is called Major Depression and should be treated by a Mental Health Professional.   Another type of depression is called Bipolar Disorder, what used to be called "Manic-Depressive Disorder."  Please click on the name to see more information.

            Too often, people think that having is depression is a sign of personal weakness, however it is viewed as a real illness by Mental Health Professionals.  Just as you would consult a medical doctor for a physical ailment, people with depression also benefit from treatment. 

Symptoms of Depression Can Include the Following:                                                                                                                 

· Experiencing deep sadness or prolonged grief that seems unremitting and unshakable.

· Feelings of despair, hopelessness and/or worthlessness

· Thoughts of harming one’s self or of committing suicide                                          

· Diminished interest in nearly all activities

· Changes in eating or sleeping habits

· Above average loss of weight or weight gain

· Changes in energy levels--becoming restless or agitated, or experiencing fatigue or a lack of energy or uncommon sluggishness

· Difficulty in thinking clearly, concentrating or in remembering

· Delusions (false beliefs) or hallucinations (skewed sensory perceptions)

Depression is one of the most common and usually easiest mental

disorders to treat.  Taking antidepressant drugs has given positive results

for up to 70 percent of people suffering from depression.  Studies also

indicate that psychotherapy can relieve mild to moderate cases of

depression as effectively as antidepressant drugs.

If you or someone you know is suffering from depression or any of the symptoms listed above, please consult your medical doctor, a Mental Health Professional, or Call the Crisis Hot Line at 800-479-3339.  You do not have to suffer.

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