Symptoms and their severity vary with each individual case of depression. Depression affects approximately 17.6 million Americans each year. One of the best strategies for preventing suicide is the early recognition and treatment of depression. Although scientists do not know the exact mechanism that triggers depression, they do know that a serious loss, chronic illness, difficult relationship, financial problem, or any unwelcome change in life patterns can trigger a depressive episode. Also, people with a family history of depression are generally higher at risk.
Depression is one of the most treatable mental illnesses.
Between 80 and 90 percent of all depressed people respond to treatment and nearly all depressed people who receive treatment see at least some relief from their symptoms. Psychiatrists agree that severely depressed patients do best with a combination of medication and psychotherapy. Without treatment, symptoms can last for weeks, months, or years. This site originates in the United States.