Psychological depression is the top ranked mental health issue in the world today.  The issue can be very serious and adversely impact a persons ability to perform everyday functions such as brushing teeth and getting out of bed in the morning.  The issue is so common that as many as 1 in 5 people living in the United States will experience depression in their lives.

When you burn yourself on a hot stove, you know why – you touched a hot stove.  When you encounter depression, it is a bit more complex and doctors in the field do did always understand the cause.  Fortunately, the treatment for clinical depression is much better today.

Education is the first line of defense.  Each person must understand the meaning of depression along with the various causes and ultimately the impact.  Many people walk around everyday with depression but not see it as a treatable illness.  This is very unfortunate, because clinical depression is very treatable.  Even people with severs can benefit from treatment.

As listed on another section in this site, the symptoms of clinical depression vary.  If you find yourself or someone you know with the following, please consider seeking help from a licensed mental health professional:

1. A change in body mass.  Depression may change your eating habits.
   
   
2. Extreme fatigue.  If you find yourself lacking energy to participate is regular activities.
   
   
3. Trouble sleeping.  If you sleep too much (hypersomnia) or sleep too little (insomnia).
   
   
4. Lack of personal hygiene.  If you find yourself not wanting to shave, shower, brush teeth, etc.
   
   
5. Poor decision making.  If you are unable to concentrate and experience loss of memory.
   
   
6. Poor general health.  If you suffer from headaches, stomach pain, back pain, etc. and your family doctor does not find a diagnosable illness.
   
   
7. Overwhelming poor feelings.  If you extended periods of feeling sad, worthless, hopeless and crying at various times throughout any given day.
   
   
8. Temper control issues.  If you find yourself extremely irritable or experience other similar feelings.
   
   
9. Withdraw from activities.  If you stop participating in social functions, daily obligations and/or other activities you find enjoyable.
   
   
10. Thoughts of suicide.  If you experience thoughts of suicide and death.

Having a physical exam by a doctor should be considered a first approach.  A licensed doctor will be a better position to provide better insight to next steps.  Symptoms may persist for weeks, months or even years with proper treatment.  If diagnosed with depression, a treatment regiment may involve medication and/or therapy.  Both medication and treatment have proven to be very successful in treatment.  Proper treatment will help the person return to a happy, meaningful and fulfilling life.

Proper treatment can provide people depression free lives!  This is simply a matter of acknowledging the benefits and moving forward.