They are not aware that depression may continue for many months or even years without proper treatment. If the symptoms of depression have been present every day, for most of the days, for a 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. 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. 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. Individuals respond differently to different types of therapy.