Depression - What is Depression and How Common Is It?

Depression hits a great many people, worldwide, it is important to know what causes depression in the first place and to totally understand that depression is not a sign of personal weakness.

So, what is depression? Many researchers and health experts believe that depression is caused by a imbalance of two chemcials which are located in our brain: serotonin and norepinephrine. These two chemicals are thought to be linked to mood and regulating/reducing the feelings of pain. If these two chemicals are out of whack then the effect can be felt both emotionally (mood) and can also be felt physically, hence depression.

Depression is common and affects about 122 million people worldwide. The effects do not discriminate, a specific gender, race is not more prone to clinical depression more so than another. It can strike anyone and if it is left uncared for it can spill over into all aspects of our lives, into our relationships, home life and work.

The sad truth is that many people with depression do not seek treatment, mainly because the worry or put to much weight into what other people will think of them. Depression is a medical condition, here are just a few points to be aware of:

• In today's day and age, depression is among the leading cause of disability
• Women are almost twice as likely as men to experience depression
• Those with a family history of depression may be more prone to being afflicted with depression
• People with chronic or debilitating medical conditions may also be susceptible to depression
• A major life change, even a happy one like becoming a new parent (known as postpartum depression in women), increases the risk of developing depression

You don't have to have any specific or obvious risk factors to be prone to depression. Even if you don't have depression but are around a family member, friend or coworker you feel the affects of their depression. If you know of someone who is experiencing depression and they haven't sought help, encourage them to go and seek treatment.

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