Depression is a grave medical condition defined by extreme and overwhelming feelings of sadness that disrupts one’s life. This disorder has been documented to affect as much as 15% of the entire population in most developed countries, in the US, the figure stands at 18.8 million Americans. Depression is not bound by age, gender or race. It can affect anyone at any given time and the severity often differs on how one copes and handles their depression.

Adverse emotional tendencies leaning towards sorrow, alienation, disaffection, mood shifts, fatigue, despair and violence are the most common indicators of Depression. Those who suffer from this disorder are placed in a world of overwhelming fear and despair.

Depending on these indicators or symptoms, Depression is further classified into the unipolar and Dysthmic Types. Unipolar disorder is the recurring type of depression. It is diagnosed by the presence of 5 or more of the known symptoms of depression. Statistics shows that this type of disorder leans towards the 15-30 age group population. The Dysthmic type of Depression manifests in a longer time frame and is often identified with the occurrence of 2 depression symptoms.

Depression can be gravely dangerous and life changing for an individual. It can affect every facet of her normal life; from family, work, friends and even one’s daily routines. As its symptoms are hard to identify and are most associated with the normal life experiences, many are left untreated and all too often can lead to death.

Depression is no laughing matter. It is a recognized medical disorder and should be treated as such. The science of psychology and medicine has paved the way for available treatment options such as antidepressant drugs and the use of psychotherapy to cure this disorder.

The statistics for Depression is increasing at an alarming pace and a strong connection with our loved ones and strong sense of one’s self are the keys to keeping depressive disorder at bay. Sadness is part of our life journey and should be taken as such – as part of a journey, dwelling on only the negative opens up our mind and body to become candidates for Depression.

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