Such events take the joy out of life, but often enough, most people bounce back in a short time. Major depression requires prompt medical treatment because its symptoms affect nearly every aspect of living. In the United States 19 million people suffer from depression each year. Although depression can affect people of all ages, symptoms often appear for the first time in their mid-20's.
Many obstacles prevent the diagnosis and appropriate treatment of depression.
People who suffer may consider feeling melancholy to be a part of their personality. Others may think their ongoing feelings of sadness are related to the difficult circumstances in their lives. Some sufferers may be reluctant to see a specialist because of the stigma still attached to mental health conditions, while others may have limited access to health care. It is important to remember that depression is NOT a weakness or a personality flaw, but more of a biologically based illness, such as diabetes, that requires prompt medical treatment. You can learn more about current treatments in the depression treatment section.