It's important to remember that depression is an illness effecting the body and the mind. It isn't something we can wish to go away and it does, nor is it a sign of a weak character. It's great to know today that depression can be successfully treated and the person can return to a normal life. Many types of depression run in families, indicating that a biological vulnerability to depression can be inherited. This is especially true with a bipolar disorder. Studies have been done of families in which members of each generation develop the bipolar disorder. Studies have found those with the illness have a somewhat different genetic makeup than those who do not become ill. Not everybody with the genetic makeup causing the vulnerability to bipolar disorder has the illness. Major depression seems to occur in generation after generation in some families, but not as strongly as in bipolar I or II. Major depression can occur in people who have no family history of depression.

Depression can be brought on by an external event which often seems to initiate an episode of depression. A serious loss of a loved one, chronic illness, difficult relationship, financial problems, or any unwelcome change in life patterns trigger a depressive episode. A combination of genetic, psychological, and environmental factors can cause an onset of a depressive order.

Many experts believe that depression is the number one cause of disability in the world. In the United States, 17% of people experience depression at some time in their lives. It is estimated 19 million people in the United States suffers from depression. It is more prevalent
in women that it is in men.

It is important for all people to recognize the signs and symptoms of depression because the condition can be helped with treatment. According to the U. S. National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), the main symptoms and signs of depression are the following:

* persistent sad, anxious, or "empty" mood
* feelings of hopelessness, pessimism
* feelings of guilt, worthlessness, helplessness
* loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities that were once enjoyed,
including sex
* decreased energy, fatigue, being "slowed down"
* Difficulty concentrating, remembering, making decisions
* insomnia, early-morning awakening, or oversleeping
* appetite and/or lack of or overeating and weight gain or loss
* thoughts of death or suicide attempts
* restlessness, irritability
* persistent physical symptoms that do not respond to treatment,
such as pains, digestive orders, etc.

If by chance, you have been experiencing several of these symptoms to a degree that they are impairing or affecting your life, talk to your doctor. They can help you find out if you are or are not suffering from depression and direct you to the proper resources for treatment and recovery.

References Used and Studied:
(1) www.medicinenet.com
(2) NIH Publication No. 07-3561,2007

Learn more about this author, Barbara Kasey Smith.
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