The term depression is often misused. Depression is not just feeling sad about something. Depression is not part of the normal grieving process. True depression (often called clinical depression) is a physiological and psychological illness that lasts for an extended period of time and reduces or entirely impairs a person's ability to perform daily functions. People cannot wish or will themselves out of a true depressive episode. Many people, upwards of 25% of women and 19% of men, suffer from a bout of depression at least once in their lives. Still the illness remains under diagnosed, mistreated, and stigmatized.

The Warning Signs

It is normal for people to become sad as a response to certain life events, but when the sadness begins to make every day life difficult or even impossible, it is time to seek a doctor's help. Specific signs of depression include changes in sleep patterns, changes in appetite or eating habits, difficulty concentrating, uncontrollable crying, loss of interest in all activities, or thoughts of suicide or death. When you begin to experience any combination of these symptoms that don't go away shortly, chances are you are dealing with true depression.

Put Pride Aside

Realizing you are depressed is not any sign of weakness. Depression can happen to anyone, and it takes someone truly courageous and strong to overcome it. Don't be afraid to admit to a doctor how you have really been feeling, and what you have really been thinking. Chances are the doctor has heard much worse than anything you tell him. Also tell those you love what is going on. Having the support of your friends and family can be a vital part of beating the illness. You'll probably be surprised how many of your friends and family have already been through a similar situation in the past. Many people neglect to open up to everyone about what they are going through and that perpetuates until you think no one you know has dealt with anything like depression. The fact of the matter is they probably have already experienced their own depression or the depression of someone else close to them, but never felt brave enough to talk about it. 

Don't Give Up