If you are experiencing several of the following signs of depression or are observing them in a family member or close friend, it may be time to seek professional help. Biochemical changes in the brain that affect how you feel, think, and act. These can range from tragedies such as losing a loved one or contracting a major illness to happy events such as having a baby, getting married, or starting a new job. A family history of depression. Your thoughts and actions.
Depression can come on slowly over time, so that it is hard to recognize.
Or, a major loss or event can trigger it. We now have many tools that can speed up the process of getting better. Most people will improve over time. The treatment of depression is a Group Health priority. Approximately 14 percent of Group Health members in primary care and 27 percent of those in specialty care suffer from major or minor depression.