In instances of true depression, there is often an abnormal brain chemistry, or a hereditary condition, that must be treated by a professional. If nothing is done, depression may lead a person to become suicidal, and could ultimately prove deadly. An estimated 340 million people in the world are depressed, although roughly half of the cases are unrecognized and untreated. Medical statistics show that this condition hits an average of one in four women and one in ten men. In most cases, the disease causes changes in lifestyle to occur and significant stress, and can at times make an individual unable to function.
Depression is widely misunderstood.
Nearly any event during the day can trigger the mood change, and sometimes there is no obvious cause. Family history and genetics often play an important role in the disorder, but it can be treated through a combination of medication and psychotherapy. Major Depressive Disorder is marked by a depressed mood and a loss of interest or pleasure in daily activities. If this feeling is constant for a least a couple of weeks, a person needs to seek help. In addition to feeling generally lethargic, those suffering from the condition may experience a significant weight loss when not dieting, or a weight gain.