Sometimes depression can hide behind a smiling face. A depressed person who lives alone may briefly feel better when someone stops by to say hello or during a visit to the doctor. The symptoms may seem to go away. But, when someone is very depressed, the signs come right back. Don't ignore the warning signs.
Serious depression can lead to suicide.
Listen carefully if someone complains about being depressed or says people don't care. That person may be telling you he or she needs help. There is no one cause of depression. For some people, one event can bring on the illness. Depression often strikes people who felt fine but who are struggling with a death in the family or a sudden illness.