Health

Facts About Depression
Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is a common and recurrent disorder. Often depression strikes during the prime of life and is estimated to impact 12% of all men, and 20% of women at some point during their lives. Depression can be effectively treated in the majority of people but causes personal anguish in individuals and families when left untreated.

Depression is an illness that has a profound impact on family members who live with the person as well as love the person. Depression is an illness that takes many shapes and forms. Some depressed people show subtle signs and symptoms for months before they are officially diagnosed and treated and this early phase can be difficult for everyone in the family. Some people who are depressed withdraw from people and isolate themselves. Some people start to drink heavily or use drugs. Some become irritable and moody and have angry, eruptive outbursts. These behavioral changes can be mystifying for family members who don't know the reason for the change. Also, it is extremely upsetting to be around someone who is withdrawn, morose or angry a great deal.

How it Affects our Lives
The World Health Organization currently ranks depression as one of the most disabling disease in the world. The devastating consequences of under treated depression include: difficulty in the workplace, absenteeism, problems with relationships, marital and family discord. The untold human suffering resulting from symptoms of depression and morbidity and mortality associated with other diseases make it costly in both human and economic terms.

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