An Overview of Dealing With Depression
Depression strikes about 17 million American adults each year -- which is more than the number of people affected by coronary
heart disease, cancer, or
AIDS. However, many people simply don't know what depression is. Many people think it is a character flaw, or that it results from something caused by bad parenting. The fact is that depression is a serious illness, just like heart disease. And unlike the occasional sadness everyone feels due to life's disappointments, depression profoundly impairs a person's ability to function in everyday situations by affecting moods, thoughts, behaviors, and physical well-being.
The good news, though, is that depression is treatable. Depression has been successfully treated in a significant number of people with a combination of
antidepressants and psychotherapy ("talk therapy").
However, two-thirds of all people suffering from depression don't get the help they need. Many fail to identify their symptoms -- or attribute them to lack of sleep or a poor diet -- while others are just too fatigued or ashamed to seek help.
Left untreated, depression can result in years of needless pain for both the depressed person and his or her family. Therefore, the first step in dealing with depression is seeking help from a qualified healthcare provider. He or she will be able to diagnose the problem and recommend treatment for your particular situation. If your healthcare provider diagnoses depression, dealing with depression also involves:
- Learning strategies for success
- Support from friends and family.
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