The statistics In any given 1-year period, 9.5% of the population, or about 20.9 million American adults, suffer from a depressive illness. The prevalence of major depression in women is about two times higher than in men—this difference begins in early adolescence and persists through one’s mid-50s, corresponding to the reproductive years in women. The [...]

Continue reading " Depression and Women "

Depression comes in many different forms, each of which affects sufferers in different ways. The three most common forms of depression are: Major Depression: Also known as clinical depression or unipolar depression, this type of depression is characterized by a combination of symptoms (above) that interfere with the ability to function normally and to enjoy [...]

Continue reading " What are the different types of depression? "

The causes of depression are not entirely understood. Things that may trigger depression include: Major events that create stress, such as childbirth or a death in the family. Illnesses, such as arthritis, heart disease, or cancer. Certain medicines, such as steroids or narcotics for pain relief. Drinking alcohol or using illegal drugs. These and other [...]

Continue reading " What causes depression? "

Clinical depression is a treatable illness marked by changes in mood, thought and behavior. That’s why it’s called a mood disorder. Everyone, at various times in life, feels sad or blue. It’s normal to feel sad on occasion. But what’s the difference between “normal” feelings of sadness and the feelings caused by clinical depression? How [...]

Continue reading " What is depression? "