What is Depression?

Depression is a mood disorder that influences every aspect of daily life. This illness affects all segments of the population in every socio-economic group: children, adults, the elderly. Depression influences every aspect of daily life. This powerful disease controls the body, mind, behavior, emotional state and can even determine the ability to maintain relationships. Profound sadness, irritability, rapid weight gain or loss or inability to lose weight, indecisiveness, insomnia or constant fatigue, memory loss, and feelings of worthlessness can plague the sufferer who often times can not explain "why". Ranging from mild to severe forms, depression symptoms leave a wake of dysfunction that cannot be willed away nor ignored. Contrary to popular belief, depressive disorders have biochemical origins that, in most cases, readily respond to clinically proven herbal remedies and natural remedies. However, if left untreated, symptoms can endure for weeks, months, or years.

Depression suffers are not alone:

• 10 million Americans are struck by depression each year
• One out of five women and out of 15 men will battle major depression at some time in his/her life.
• If major depression hits, there is a 50% chance you'll have a recurrence of depression at least once or twice a year.
• Millions of people go undiagnosed or treated for depression.
• Without treatment, major depression may linger for 6 months to a year, with increased frequency and severity.
• Our society pays an estimated billion each year for depression related losses; lowered productivity and absenteeism costs .2 billion and medical and psychiatric care accounts for .3 billion.
• Suicide caused by depression, in whole or in part, claims more than 18,000 people each year and costs us .5 billion.
• Depression is one of the most commonly misdiagnosed illnesses. Obvious symptoms of depression are treated, such as loss of appetite, sleeplessness, and headaches are treated, but the root of the problem is commonly not addressed. However, there is hope. Proper treatment can relieve depression symptoms and enable sufferers to lead more satisfying and productive lives.