Effective Treatments Are Available National Institute of Mental Health National Institutes of Health 1995 Depression is more than the blues. Depression is not a personal weakness. Depression is a treatable illness. Symptoms of depression affect thoughts, feelings, body, and behaviors. Without treatment, the symptoms can last for months, years, or a lifetime.
Some depressive episodes occur suddenly for no apparent reason.
Some are triggered by a stressful experience. Some people's symptoms are so severe they are unable to function as usual. Others have ongoing, chronic symptoms that do not interfere with functioning, but keep them from feeling really well. The lives of families and friends are affected, often seriously disrupted. Are blamed on personal weakness.