How common is depression? I feel like I am the only one who has it!

Depression is a very common medical disorder that affects the mind. Most people who do not have this agonizing disorder are not able to appreciate the fact that depression can significantly alter the way one behaves and thinks. It is a life long illness which is not easy to treat. The disorder leads to a variety of emotional and physical problems.  

The precise numbers of individuals who have severe depression are not known but estimates indicate that about 12 million adults in USA have depression. Depression cuts across all barriers and affects all races, cultures and social class. The disorder generally begins in early adulthood but can occur at any age. While hospital data reveal that more women have depression, this is simply because most men do not seek treatment. Depression occurs in various grades and symptoms do vary in intensity.

I have just lost my job and feel depressed. Do I really need treatment for my depression?

Slight depression is of minor consequence. One may become slightly depressed over a loss of job; break up of a romantic relationship or divorce. Other causes of slight depressions include loss of a parent, sibling, marrriage stress, job anxiety, moving or not having a great job. Slight depression may present with feelings of sadness, problems sleeping, irritability, being easily annoyed and feeling tired. Slight depression is reversible and short term. Most people get over slight depression with time and supportive therapy. However, if the depression is severe enough to affect your lifestyle and is getting worse, there is no harm in speaking to your doctor.

I am 27 and think I have mild depression. What sort of symptoms usually occur with depression?

There are some individuals who may develop mild depression which may start gradually for no reason. The individual may start to feel tired, restlessness, feel lonely and have difficulty sleeping. In many cases, the individual loses interest in sex and wants to be left alone. One may be able to go to work but not have any enjoyment. Mild depression may last a lot longer than severe depression but can be overcome with changes in lifestyle, psychotherapy and social support.

 However, some individuals develop severe depression which may induce feelings of not wanting to live anymore. Suicidal ideations are common in severe depression. In severe depression one may feel sad all the time, cry for no apparent reason, have trouble sleeping and focusing, become fatigued, feel worthless, develop headaches or backache and may increasingly have thoughts of self harm/suicide.

What causes depression? I am only 28 years old and have been diagnosed with this disorder

While mild depression has a cause, both moderate and severe depression generally are complex brain disorders which are not well understood. Mild depression may be related to the environment, such as being unable to cope with the job, unemployment, financial problems or loss of a loved one. No one understands why severe depression occurs. Even though many brain imaging studies have been done, the exact neurotransmitters in the brain which play a role in depression are still in question. Some studies do show that severe depression may be more common in families. In most cases, the cause of depression is simply bad luck