Symptoms may include feelings of sadness or irritability, loss of interest in activities once enjoyed, changes in weight, appetite or sleeping patterns and feelings of guilt, hopelessness or worthlessness. Others may be the inability to concentrate or make decisions, fatigue or loss of energy, restlessness or decreased activity and thoughts of death or suicide. If five or more of these symptoms have persisted for more than two weeks, it may indicate depression. Sufferers may think their problems are just in their head - something they can work through on their own. Many feel ashamed, as though this disease is a personal weakness.
Depression has nothing to do with weakness or personal defect.
Depression can strike anyone at any age. Women are twice as likely as men to experience depression. The first onset of depression usually occurs between the ages of 22 and 44. People with a family history of depression, heart disease or alcoholism are more likely to experience itthan others. Sometimes a stressful life event can trigger an episode, but normally, there is no particular cause.