Depression is increasingly recognized as a serious and growing problem. Depression is known as the common cold of mental illness.

It is estimated that 1 in 5 people will develop a mental illness at some time in their lives. Depression is not a character flaw or a sign of weakness.

Clinical Depression will cause significant impairment in an individual's life. This can include impair social functioning, the ability to work and sometimes the basic ability to care for one's self.

Depression is a clinical illness that is common and responds well to treatment. Depression can interfere with concentration, basic functioning and physical symptoms such as sleep.

Depression Symptoms include some or all of the following:

1. Sleeping more or less than normal
2. Weight loss or weight gain
   
3. Extreme fatigue and loss of energy
4. Difficulty making decisions
5. Intense feelings of sadness, guilt or grief
6. Feeling worthless, hopeless or helpless
7. Decreased sex drive
8. Isolating and avoiding others
9. Difficulty with concentration
10. Thoughts of suicide or death

*If you are experiencing some or all of these depression symptoms, is very important that you immediately speak with your doctor.

Depression is a highly treatable disease. Talk therapy and antidepressants have been proven successful in the treatment of depression.

It is essential for a depressed individual to seek professional help.

Antidepressants are commonly prescribed to treat depression. There are many new antidepressants that do not cause weight gain. For those who do not want to take antidepressants, there are several natural antidepressants for the treatment of depression.

Exercise is one of the best ways to fight depression. Exercise creates a "natural high" that is extremely effective in combating depression.

Once the depression is treated, thought process will regulate, and sleeping patterns will improve.