Depression is a complex disease that can remain hidden unless someone who knows the signs looks.  Many people don't even know they're suffering from depression, and 15 million of those people are in America.  Only 1/3 of the victims ever seek medical attention.  Why is depression hard to spot?  The answer is easy.  Many of the symptoms we associate with depression are problems we all experience from time to time .  It's therefore not easy to discern the difference between a danger sign and an every day experience. 

We all feel sad and out of sorts at different periods of our life.  For example we may become a little shaken when we reach the age of 40.  It's time to reflect on life and all the things done or not done, and on the road not taken.  It may be depressing to see that passed investment opportunity when you were 20 now worth a fortune.  This does not mean that you are suffering from depression.  Depression isn't a short term feeling.  If not treated depression will last forever and will get worse and worse.  Controlling this disease is a matter of months or even years. 

Typical symptoms of depression can be irregular sleeping or eating habits.  Again, this does not mean signs and symptoms that last the weekend but rather symptoms that are consistent over long periods of time.  Depressed individuals tend to recede into a shell.  They feel hopelessness and helplessness.  Their feelings of loneliness and despair are constant and real.  They may want to reach out for help but cannot bring themselves to do so.  They may find it hard to relate to those around them.  Where they once may have been the life of the party they may now be barely noticeable.  These are symptoms in the early stages.

When depression has progressed into later stages it begins to become apparent in their ability to be compatible with others around them.  Some of the symptoms of depression are their employment and or educational activities will begin to be affected by their lack of communication and participation.  They find it harder to face others as well as themselves.  They see no hope or purpose for living and begin to consider ending it all.  To avoid this unhappy result early detection is essential.  There is help available for those who suffer depression.  There are effective means of treatment that will get those suffering back on the right track.  If you or someone you love are experiencing any lingering symptom of depression please consult a medical professional for a diagnosis.  It's a matter of life or death.