Depression is a disease that affects the mind and body. Depression occurs because of several factors. The most important and easiest to treat is the chemical imbalance in the brain that results in feelings of depression, anxiety, sleeplessness, despair and lethargy. Depression is often genetic and passed down from family to family. It is a disease like heart disease or cancer. Don't feel embarrassed. It is a disease that can be treated successfully and overcome. The easiest way is to see a doctor who may or may not prescribe anti-depressant medicines. Anti-depressant medication works in about 85% of patients. The medicines usually take around 2-4 weeks to work but the results are incredible. For those that don't respond quickly or suffer negative side effects, your doctor will help you find other treatments or alternative medicines. The bottom line is that there is hope, the medicines work and you can get better.

Just as important, but more difficult to treat are environmental, and social factors. These factors can also cause stress which when untreated lead to a mental breakdown. If you are living in a stressful environment, or in a stressful relationship or work environment, and feel hopeless you need help. Stress limits your rational thinking and clouds your mind with insecurities, anxiety and overwhelming negative feelings. This makes it almost impossible to concentrate and focus on fixing the situation. Stress has a tremendous negative impact on your body and emotions. Again you need to seek treatment from a psychologist with whom you feel comfortable.

If you find you are having trouble taking care of the smallest tasks, getting up in the morning, paying bills, buying groceries or sleep all day. This is an indication that you are suffering from depression. Whether from a chemical imbalance or enviromental conditions, depression is treatable. About 85% of people who seek treatment from a doctor and/or psychologist get well.

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