Effective Treatments Are Available National Institute of Mental Health National Institutes of Health 1995 Depression is more than the blues. Depression is not a personal weakness.
Depression is a treatable illness.
Symptoms of depression affect thoughts, feelings, body, and behaviors. Without treatment, the symptoms can last for months, years, or a lifetime. Some depressive episodes occur suddenly for no apparent reason. Some are triggered by a stressful experience. Some people's symptoms are so severe they are unable to function as usual.