Depression

Depression is a common medical illness. More than 18 million Americans suffer from some type of depression, and one in eight people needs treatment for depression during his or her lifetime. Depression should not be considered as a character flaw. It is neither a "mood" nor a personal weakness that can be changed at will.

• Depression is a recurring illness. If you have one episode, there is a 50% chance you will have another. The chances of recurrence increase to 70% after two episodes and 90% after three episodes.
• Untreated, depression can last for up to 6 months or longer. For as many as 10% of people, depression may last much longer.
• It's estimated that 15% of people with chronic depression commit suicide.
• The social stigma surrounding depression is still substantial and may prevent people from seeking treatment. The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) estimates that two-thirds of people suffering from depression are without the help they need.
  

The news is not all bad however.

• Of all the medical illnesses, clinical depression is one of the most treatable. More than 80% of people with depression can be treated successfully with medication, psychotherapy, or a combination of the two.
• Treating depression reduces the risk of recurrence.
• Changes in lifestyle - such as exercise, yoga, meditation, and a healthy diet - can help relieve stress, which can lead to depression.
• Early treatment can help stop the symptoms of depression from becoming more severe and more long-lasting.
• Treatment can reduce thoughts of death, and lower the risk of suicide.