Depression affects over 17 million Americans per year. During a lifetime a person
has a one in five chance of developing depression, and women are twice as likely
as men to develop depression. Sadly, less than half seek treatment.

Depression is characterized by either a depressed mood or lack of pleasure. Other
symptoms include changes in appetite, sleep, speed of functioning, lack of energy
and concentration, and thoughts of death or worthlessness. It is very common that
anxiety occurs with depression as well as some vague physical symptoms.

There can be serious consequences to not treating depression. Suicide happens in
15% of people with depression. Depression results in more days of disability from
work than chronic diseases such as heart disease, hypertension, diabetes and lower
back pain. The pain and loss it causes family and friends is immeasurable.

Treating depression is relatively simple. Visit your primary care physicians and
describe your symptoms. The doctor, after ruling out any physical causes of the
symptoms, may elect to treat with an anti-depressant medication. These are not
addicting and shouldn’t make you feel either strange or "great". Instead, expect a
gradual reduction in symptoms over the next 2-4 weeks. Be sure to inform the doctor
of any side effects that are difficult to tolerate.

It is necessary to treat depression for at least 6 months to limit its recurrence. The
goal is not just to make the patient feel better but to feel normal again and restore all
previous functions.

Other important treatment modalities are also available. Various forms of therapy are
helpful. Alcohol can cause depression so it is best to avoid it. Exercise has been
shown to limit recurrence of depression. Using your own support group or a formal
public support group for depression is also helpful.