Family therapy or group therapy may often be helpful too. Untreated, depression can have devastating complications. At a minimum it may disrupt one's personal life including interpersonal relationships and the ability to perform goal directed tasks such as at school or work. On the other end of the spectrum, depressions may end in a suicide attempt or completed suicide. Women are up to three time more likely to try suicide but men are up to three times more likely to complete the suicide given the more violent nature of their attempts.
Younger minorities are also at high risk as are elderly people.
Family members may feel burdened with guilt for years. One of the chief reasons for hospitalization now is for the prevention of suicide. In 1997, there is no longer any reason for anyone with depression to continue to suffer. Anyone who has significant depression ought to go see one of the professionals mentioned above. Depression is not a sign of weakness but is a medical disorder which is readily treatable.