The limbic system of the brain, known as the gate through which all incoming stimuli must pass, cannot filter through the messages the brain is sending, or pick out what the individual needs to concentrate on. This would be like putting on a headphone and having the sound magnified tenfold. 11.2 million Americans suffer from depression each year. It affects the way you eat and sleep, the way you think about things. It is not the same as a passing blue mood or a sign of personal weakness.
Medication can help alleviate symptoms for many mental illnesses.
In most instances, the response to medication is excellent if the medication, dose, and duration of treatment are appropriate for the individual. For many, taking medications will be a lifelong necessity. Rehabilitation involves relearning both mental and social skills that may have been impaired by the illness. In order to relearn prior skills and develop effective coping strategies, a person's symptoms need to be well controlled. Genetic factors may create a predisposition in some people, and life stresses may trigger the onset of symptoms.