Depression, Is it serious?

es, depression can be very serious! Some of us experience only one depressive episode in our lives, while others experience several recurrences. Some depressive episodes begin with no apparent reason, while others are associated with a life situation or stress.

Sometimes people who are depressed cannot perform even the simplest daily activities like getting out of bed or getting dressed; others go through the motions, but it is clear they are not acting or thinking as usual. Some people suffer from bipolar depression in which their moods cycle between two extremes - from the depths of despair to frenzied heights of activity or grandiose ideas about their own competence.

Depression can be treated! Between 80 and 90 percent of people with depression - even the most serious forms - can be helped. Symptoms can be relieved quickly with psychological therapies, medications, or often a combination of both. The most important step towards treating depression - and sometimes the most difficult - is asking for help!

Teens and adults share a problem - they often fail to recognize the symptoms of depression in themselves or in people they care about.