Depression is a disease. It's caused by changes in the chemicals in the brain. Depression isn't a character flaw, and it doesn't mean that the person is bad or weak. It doesn't mean that he or she is going crazy.

Depression causes a person to feel sad and hopeless much of the time. It's different from normal feelings of sadness, grief, or low energy. The person may lose interest in daily activities and may feel sad and grouchy for a long time. Other symptoms of depression include losing or gaining weight and always feeling tired.

Depression is common. Men and women of all ages, ethnic groups, and economic groups can have it. It often runs in families. But it also can happen to someone who doesn't have a family history of depression. A person can have depression one time or many times.

Medicines, counseling, and self-care can all help depression. Many people don't get help because they are embarrassed or think that they'll get over depression on their own. But most people need treatment to get better.

Continue to Why?

Many people think that depression is not serious and that they can get over it on their own. But depression is a disease and is hard to get over. If someone you care for has symptoms of depression, it's important for the person to see a doctor, because:

• The doctor can diagnosis depression or other problems. Getting a correct diagnosis is the first step in treating depression.
• Most people cannot get over depression on their own. Without treatment, depression probably will continue.
• Most people get better with treatment.
• After someone has had an episode of depression, he or she is more likely to have another episode. Without treatment, depression is more likely to come back. And it may be more severe.

If you think that someone you know is depressed, the best thing you can do is to get the person to see a doctor. The sooner someone with depression gets treatment, the sooner he or she will feel better.

Continue to How?

If you're worried about a loved one or a friend, you probably want to talk to him or her about your concerns. Here are some things you can do:

Tell the person about depression and why you are concerned

• Stress that depression is not laziness or something in the head. It's a common disease and is nothing to be embarrassed about.
• Point out that the person has symptoms of depression, and say why this worries you. You want to help.
• Ask the person to answer a few questions to see if he or she might be depressed.

Explain why the person needs to see a health professional

• Explain that very few people get over depression on their own. Most people need some type of treatment. The sooner someone gets treatment, the sooner he or she will feel better.
• Point out that there are many types of professionals who treat depression and many types of treatment. Just because a person is depressed doesn't mean that he or she needs to see a psychologist or take medicine. A family doctor or a counselor may be able to help.
• Point out that depression might be caused by another problem. For example, many people have an underactive thyroid, which can cause symptoms of depression. A doctor can diagnose this and give the person thyroid medicine. This will stop the depression. A doctor also can tell if a medicine, such as one used for high blood pressure, might be causing depression.

Watch for the warning signs of suicide

• Watch for the warning signs of suicide, such as talking a lot about death or giving things away and writing a will. If you notice them, call the doctor.
• Call 911 or emergency help if you think:
  • The person is going to harm himself or herself or others. For example, the person has a written plan or a weapon or is saving (stockpiling) medicines.
  • The person is hearing or seeing things that aren't real.
  • The person seems to be thinking or speaking in a bizarre way that is not like his or her usual behavior.

Help the person overcome fears about treatment

Many people have reasons why they don't want to see a doctor. Talk about these barriers, and help the person find solutions.

Continue to Where?

Now that you have read this information, you are better prepared to help someone decide to get treatment for depression.

If you know someone who has been diagnosed with depression, you can help. See:

Depression: Supporting Someone Who Is Depressed.

If you would like more information on depression, the following resource is available:

Organization