Depression is more than feeling low. It is a long-standing, often recurring illness as real and disabling as heart disease or arthritis. Depression is a very common emotional illness.
Today there are effective treatments for depression. Between 80 to 90% of those with depression can be successfully treated.
Treatment is generally necessary—people with depression cannot snap out of it on their own, nor will it go away.
How
Do You Know If A Person Has Depression?
If you or someone you care about has exhibited four or more of
the following symptoms for more than two weeks, professional help
should be considered:
The likelihood of depression increases if you have an illness such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, cancer, Alzheimer's or Parkinson’s.
Thoughts of death and suicide are a typical symptom of depression. An estimated 15% of those with depression commit suicide over a lifetime, and depression is considered to be the underlying cause in half of all suicides. Because depression can have fatal consequences, treatment should not be delayed.
Resource: The Mental Health Association in Greater San Antonio