If the symptoms of depression have been present every day, for most of the days for period of two weeks it is time to seek help without delay. If thoughts of suicide are present it is an emergency. Seek help immediately. Risks and Complications Fifteen percent of those who are depressed kill themselves. Twice that many may attempt it.
Suicide is a major and outstanding risk of major depression.
Depression may also lead to or exacerbate substance abuse. Also depression complicates and interferes with the treatment of many illnesses from asthma and stroke to heart disease and cancer. Treatment Treatment for major depression comes in many forms. For many, medication, psychotherapy, or both, are very effective. Psychotherapy alone is enough to relieve the symptoms in many cases of mild to moderate major depression.