Depression is often thought of as a female issue, which derives from the fact that women are twice as likely to experience this condition, but it's also because women are more likely to seek help. It makes sense in a weird sort of way. I mean, if a guy won't even ask for directions, how likely is it that he'll ask for help? That being said, I do believe that, more and more, men are choosing mental health over machismo, a trend that has, no doubt, gained momentum in these times of economic hardship.

I, myself, have struggled with depression for as long as I can remember, going as far back as elementary school. Equal opportunity in nature, this illness can affect anyone, regardless of age, ethnicity or religion; although, it has been said that people with strong religious convictions do fare somewhat better when dealing with the negative thoughts associated with depression. It's certainly understandable how the fear of going to hell would discourage someone from killing him/herself, but it's more than that; there's also the belief that things will work out, that eventually things will get better.

Depression can result from a combination of various contributing factors: genetic, biochemical, environmental and psychosocial.  It manifests differently for different people. A major depressive episode lasts at least two weeks and is characterized by five or more of the following symptoms:

·         Irritability

·         Chronic sadness

·         Trouble sleeping

·         Trouble concentrating

·         Feelings of hopelessness

·         Low energy levels or fatigue

·         Significant weight loss or gain

·         Loss of interest in pleasant activities

·         Feelings of worthlessness or guilt with no apparent basis

If your or a family member's depression is accompanied by the following thoughts and/or behaviors, you should contact a health care professional immediately.

·         Panic attacks

·         Suicidal thoughts

·         Suicide attempts

·         New or greater anxiety

·         Angry, aggressive behavior

·         Acting on dangerous impulses

·         Mania (hyper behavior and/or talking fast)

Depression affects, not only the person experiencing this debilitating condition, but basically anyone the person comes into contact with. Children, spouses, pets and other family members may be neglected or physically/verbally abused. Coworkers may feel the brunt of a depressed person's irritability. Mere strangers may become the victim of a depressed person's aggressive and/or dangerous behavior.

Common methods used to treat depression are prescribed medications, psychotherapy, healthy living and, for severe cases, electroconvulsive (electroshock) therapy. Prescription medications used for this condition fall under the categories of SSRIs (selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors) and SNRIs (serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors). Whichever medication is prescribed, it's important to be aware that therapeutic results can take 6-8 weeks to occur.

The two main types of psychotherapy are CBT (cognitive-behavioral therapy) which reduces depression by challenging negative beliefs and attitudes and IPT (interpersonal therapy) which helps the individual to overcome social deficiencies that may contribute to their depression.

Healthy living in the form of eating right, getting enough sleep, exercising and actively reducing stress, can go a long way in providing relief for some of the symptoms associated with depression. Unfortunately, in some cases, depression will persist despite one's best effort. This is when one turns to ECT (electroconvulsive therapy).  ECT is a procedure that involves using electric current passed through the brain to cause a brief seizure, thereby altering the brain's chemistry.

Whichever method you choose, it's important to have a support system of understanding friends and family. They say it takes a village to raise a child; this, too, can apply to dealing with depression. Remember, being depressed is not a sign of weakness. There is no shame in asking for and receiving help.