Depression profoundly impairs the ability to function in everyday situations by affecting moods, thoughts, behaviors, and physical well-being. Feeling like I haven't accomplished the things that I want to or feel I should have and yet I don't have the energy to do them. It's feeling disconnected from people in my life, even friends and family who care about me. It's not wanting to get out of bed some mornings and losing hope that life will ever get better. An estimated 15 percent of chronic depression cases end in suicide.
Women are twice as likely as men to be affected.
Many people simply don't know what depression is. She explains that depression cannot be overcome by willpower, but requires medical attention. Fortunately, depression is treatable, says Thomas Laughren, M.D., team leader for psychiatric drug products in FDA's division of neuropharmacological drug products. Many fail to identify their symptoms or attribute them to lack of sleep or a poor diet, the APA says, while others are just too fatigued or ashamed to seek help. Left untreated, depression can result in years of needless pain for both the depressed person and his or her family.