Nearly 15 million Americans each year are affected by a serious illness called depression. 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 strike every person. Its path has no pattern. Executives to janitors can be affected. Race or religion isn’t important. 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. Pretending nothing is wrong won’t chase away this problem. If a person doesn’t seek medical attention, the disease becomes worse until it dominates their entire life.

There can be various types of depression and 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 can take from you the enjoyment that you once used to receive from your favorite activities. You can experience loneliness and despair. A sense of failure and feelings of impending doom in the future often appear. Your entire personality can change as time passes. Work, school, even your home life will feel the sting. Expect insomnia and increased anxiety.

As previously stated there are many factors that lead to depression.

A major contributor is a 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. Looking at the monthly bills might cause it. There is so much stress in the world today to compete and satisfy those in our society. Don’t forget that it’s a serious condition. There is help for depression for people who look to be treated. Studies have shown that only a third of that 15 million Americans that are affected by depression will ask for help. You have to want help or you have to have someone who loves you seek help for you.

Depression medications like Prozac and couch therapy are often combined to treat depression.

This typical form of treatment can be expensive and have side effects including anxiety and even greater depression. Natural alternatives exist that contain hyperforin, known to work as well as anti-depressant medicines. There is also assistance for this terrible illness in the form of support groups. The bottom line is this there are cures for depression but you have to want it or someone has to want it for you.