Understanding Depression

Anyone, regardless of age, gender, race, or socioeconomic status, can suffer from depressionA disease that affects millions of Americans each year, believed to be caused by an imbalance of certain chemicals in the brain, called neurotransmitters.. It is estimated that 19 million American adults suffer from depression every year. Depression is not a weakness or a character flaw—it is a real medical illness. But the good news is that with proper treatment, 4 out of 5 patients will improve.¹

People who suffer from depression are not just moody or have “the blues” for a few days. They experience long periods of feeling very sad and lose interest in social and daily activities. Many feel they have no concentration and no energy. Depression can change the way a person feels, thinks, and behaves.

• The causes of depression are not always clear. It may be triggered by an event or for no apparent reason at all. Genetics may also play a role in not providing your brain with enough serotoninA neurotransmitter that is believed to influence mood. SSRIs help relieve the symptoms of depression by increasing the available supply of serotonin in the brain.. Learn more about the causes of depression.
• The symptoms of depression may differ from person to person. Some symptoms may include a persistent sad mood, lack of pleasure in activities, change in sleep or eating habits, or a feeling of worthlessness. Learn more about the symptoms of depression.
• If you think you may be suffering from depression, take the Depression Self-Screener. Results are anonymous. Be sure to share your answers with your healthcare professional so he or she can properly diagnose your condition and provide appropriate treatment. Only a qualified healthcare professional can diagnose depression.
• If you don't know whether or not your depression is serious enough to visit a doctor, read our Seeing a healthcare professional section for guidance.
• Dealing with depression can be challenging. But it is treatable with medicine and therapy. Read more about treatment options, and review some suggestions on additional ways of coping with depression.

Did you know that a person can experience both depression and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) at the same time? Learn more about the connection between depression and GAD.

References: 1. National Advisory Mental Health Council. Healthcare reform for Americans with severe mental illnesses. Am J Psychiatry. 1993;150:1447-65.