Depression can happen to anyone at any time. It is a medical condition that, if treated, can be managed or cured. A depressed person lacks interest in most activities that were once enjoyed, and lacks energy throughout the day. Most of the time, a depressed person’s is irritable. Family and friends notice signs and symptoms changes in appetite or weight, changes in sleep patterns, restlessness or decreased activity, feeling tired and lack of concentration. Depression can affect anyone, and it can last days, weeks or months. Some people are chronically depressed throughout their entire life. To be considered as suffering from depression, these symptoms should last two or more weeks.

Many people suffer from this medical condition. It affects people of all ages, backgrounds and ethnic groups. Over 34 million American adults suffer from depression, and over half this number involves women.

A depressed person has trouble sustaining a job and often suffers from sleep disorders. There is a general, overall feeling of worthlessness, guilt and sadness. Depressed individuals may turn to drugs and alcohol in an attempt to alleviate the problem. However, drugs and alcohol only make depression worse.

Symptoms of depression can be so severe that some people contemplate or commit suicide. However, before depression becomes that intense, a person should seek treatment from a qualified physician. There are many medications and programs that work and are available to help treat depression. On the proper medications and with counseling, a depressed person will feel better and be able to function at some level of normalcy. The medication may be temporary or something that will needed for the rest of the depressed person’s life.