Debunking depression myths

Clinical depression is more common than you may think. It's estimated that one in six American adults will suffer from depression during his or her lifetime.

Depression isn't the same as sadness. Clinical depression is an ongoing medical condition striking more than 18 million Americans. It significantly limits a person's ability to experience pleasure. Just as someone with diabetes can't "shake off" the disease, someone with clinical depression cannot "snap out of it."

Sad events don't cause depression. While the death of a loved one or a job loss can be a trigger, people with clinical depression have a measurable imbalance in brain chemistry. This imbalance increases feelings of despair, and can change sleep patterns, energy level, and appetite.

Although women are more likely to have clinical depression, men are not immune. Depressed men are more likely to self-treat.

Depression rarely goes away on its own. Without treatment, symptoms can continue for years and affect work performance, relationships, and physical health. With proper treatment, 80% of sufferers feel better within 4-6 weeks.

If you think you may have clinical depression, contact your mental health professional.

Sources: The Brain and Behavior Research Fund; International Foundation for Research and Education on Depression