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.