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.1 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.2
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 cannot concentrate and have 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. 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 kept 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. Kessler RC, Chui W, Demler O, Walters E. Prevalence, Severity, and Comorbidity of 12-Month of DSM-IV disorders in the National Comorbidity Survey Replication. Arch Gen Psychiatry. 2005; 62:617-627.
2. National Advisory Mental Health Council. Healthcare reform for Americans with severe mental illnesses. Am J Psychiatry. 1993;150:1447-65.