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. Depression is serious and those affected need treatment.
Help is available.
Up to 80 percent of people who seek treatment show improvement in a matter of weeks. Putting off diagnosis and treatment only makes the situation worse. The leading cause of suicide in the United States is untreated depression. These statistics are shocking and scary. If you recognize these symptoms in a friend or in yourself, you have a responsibility to offer or to seek help.