There are times where I am down and wonder if taking my life would be easier six feet under. I also wonder if I need to see a doctor. I find a lot of people need to see a thearapist, because they need to talk things out. Yes, we have friends and that is part of why we have them, however, it would almost be best to see someone who will not have a biased opinion and will be open minded. Also, they (the therapist) won't tell you what you want to hear; they will be able to tell you like it is and give you the push that is needed.

Below, I will talk about depression, which leads, of course leads to suicide. 33-35 million U.S. adults will experience depression at some point in their lives. Do you want to be one of them? Or, if you have expereinced it, do you want to experience it again? Is it worth the turmoil you put yourself thru?

Symptoms of Depression

According to the DSM-IV, you are depressed if you have five or more of these symptoms and experience them for more than two weeks:

1. Constant sadness
2. Irritability Hopelessness
3. Trouble sleeping - Sleeping late or even getting up earlier than usual
4. Low energy or fatigue
5. Feeling worthless or guilty for no reason
6. Significant weight change - Have you gained a significant amount of weight or lost weight?
7. Difficulty concentrating
8. Loss of interest in favorite activities

If you have experienced any one of these, make sure to tell your doctor. Especially if it is affecting your everyday life; at work, socially, family outings, etc.

For family and friends: If you find that the person affected has gotten worse, exhibiting these symptoms and worries you, do not hesitate to call a professional. As the saying goes, it is better to be safe than to be sorry.

Treatment of Depression

Prescription Medication - There are several types of prescription antidepressant medications that are divided into different classes. There are different classes due to the fact of the chemicals in your brain called, neurotransmitters. It is generally thought that it affects the moods in the brain.

According to www.pristiq.com, the most common prescribed medications are:

The most commonly prescribed prescription antidepressant classes are SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) and SNRIs (serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors). SSRIs are believed to treat depression by affecting the levels of a neurotransmitter called serotonin. SNRIs are believed to treat depression by affecting the levels of two neurotransmitters called serotonin and norepinephrine.

It's important to know that it could take as many as 6 to 8 weeks for the full therapeutic effect to occur. It is important to give the medication a chance to work and to take it exactly as directed by your health care professional.

Psyco Therapy - Interestingly enough, this is known as the "talk therapy". It can be helpful to some with a different type of depression. According to www.pristiq.com, these are the two most common:

• Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) - helps to reduce depression symptoms by challenging and reversing negative beliefs and attitudes.
• Interpersonal therapy (IPT) - helps facilitate the resolution of role disputes and helps to overcome problems with social skills and other interpersonal factors that may impact the development of depression.

Also, there is healthy living. Eat a healthy, balanced meal, exercise, let family and friends you can trust help you. Make sure you maintain your hygene, set realistic goals for yourself. All of this can be accomplished with the help of those you love and trust.

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From www.theovernight.org for suicide prevention:

Facts About Suicide and Depression

According to recently reported data for 2004 from the CDC, suicide rates increased from 2003. We now know that in 2004, over 32,000 people died by suicide in the United States, meaning the average number of minutes that pass between each suicide loss has decreased from 18 to 16 minutes.

• Every 16 minutes, someone in the U.S. dies by suicide.
• Experts estimate that a suicide attempt is made each minute every day.
• Suicide is the 3rd leading cause of death among teen and young adults in the U.S. and the 2nd leading cause of death among college-age young adults.
• Ninety percent of those who die by suicide have a diagnosable psychiatric disorder at the time of death.
• The best way to prevent suicide is through early detection, diagnosis and treatment of depression and other mood disorders.
• Talking about suicide will help to foster dialogue and encourage people to get help.
• Depression affects more than 20 million people each year in the U.S.
• Depression is among the most treatable of all mood disorders. More than 80% of people with depression respond positively to treatment.
• For more information on depression or suicide prevention, visit www.afsp.org or call 888-333-AFSP.

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Know that you are not alone. I have listed some websites to help those who are affected by this. You are not alone.