Depression is an affliction that over 20% of Americans will experience in some form during their lifetime. It is one of the most common and serious mental health problems facing people today. Many people experience feelings of sadness, or melancholy every now and then. But when these feelings last for weeks, months or even years, it is referred to as clinical depression. Depression can hamper a person's ability to function effectively throughout the day and even eliminate their desire to get out of bed in the morning to face the day. According to the National Institute of Health, in any given year, 9.5% of the population in the United States will have a depressive disorder , with women more than twice as likely as men to experience depression at sometime in their life. Those most likely to experience depression are married women, women in poverty, adolescents, and unmarried men. Depressive illnesses often interfere with normal daily functioning and cause pain and suffering both to those who have the disorder as well as those who care about them. .
Many people begin to feel depressed because of a notable event or events. The events of September 11, 2001 are an example of those types of events. Not only did these tragedies affect families who lost loved ones but also those who may have only witnessed the events on television. The suddenness and intensity of the attack was so incomprehensible that many were unable to cope and fell into a depressed state. .
Family history and genetics also play a part in the greater likelihood of someone becoming depressed in their lifetime. Increased stress and inadequate coping mechanisms to deal with that stress may also contribute to depression. Depression is not a purely biochemical or medical disorder. There are biological and psychological components to every depression. .
Types of Depression.
When people talk about "being depressed" they are typically referring to suffering from what is known as major depression.
