By spreading awareness about this illness, we hope to help others who may be experiencing, or know someone who is experiencing, depression. According to the National Institute of Health, over 17 million Americans suffer from depression. About 25 percent of women and 12 percent of men will be seriously depressed during their lifetimes. Despite its pervasiveness, many dismiss depression, as if those suffering from it have decided to be unhappy. And, perhaps fearful that they won't be taken seriously, those who suffer from depression often do so silently.
Depression is nothing to feel ashamed about.
Doctors successfully treat more than 80 percent of patients, but only 30 percent of depressed people seek help. Signs of depression include feeling sad, losing interest in once-pleasurable activities, gaining or losing weight and experiencing recurrent thoughts of death or suicide. At its worst, depression, like cancer or heart disease, can kill. More than 30,000 Americans commit suicide every year, making suicide the eighth leading cause of death. There are more suicides than homicides in this county.