It usually does not interfere with daily living, but can become severe. If it persists, professional help may be warranted. Severe depression can cause a person to lose interest in the outside world, can cause physical changes, and can lead to suicide. A person who suffers from depression for two weeks or more requires professional treatment. Who is affected One in five people suffers from depression at some point in their life.
Depression can strike anyone, even children and babies who have been abused or neglected.
Middle-aged adults are more likely to become depressed than any other age group. While depression is often associated with loneliness, married people are more likely to become depressed that single people, and women are twice as likely as men to become depressed. A slowing down or neglect in performing daily tasks, irritability, poor memory, or changes in behavior are all symptoms. A loss of sexual desire or loss of warm feelings toward family members, a lack of pleasure in anything, or a loss of self-esteem can be symptoms. Physical changes can include sleep disturbances, fatigue, unexplained headaches or backaches, digestive problems, and nausea.