Depression is not a temporary mood. People with depression experience many kinds of physical and emotional symptoms. Some people feel sad or stressed out. Others go through aches, fatigue, and other physical problems. People with depression feel sad all the time, don't enjoy being with friends or doing any of the things they loved to do, feel completely overwhelmed by life, cant get sleep, don't feel hungry, keep having aches and pains without reasons. Acute depression can also lead to suicidal tendency.

People with a family history of depression are more likely to get the disease, but anyone can become depressed. Sometimes the triggers are external like, relationship troubles or financial problems. It may also begin with physical illness or hormonal changes. Women are at higher risk of depression. A survey of 30,000 people in 30 countries has found that in similar circumstances, women are more likely to say they are under stress. Women are three times more likely than men to become depressed. Women also face problems like child abuse, adult sexual assaults, hormonal changes and domestic violence. On the other hand men usually shy away from talking about their feelings.

Depression in men shows various physical complaints, such as low energy, aches and pains, a loss of appetite, or sleeping troubles. The problem may also come out as substance abuse or anger. Male self-esteem often depends on success at work, physical power and being physically and mentally active. Loss of job or failed marriage may also trigger depression. Children and teenagers also experience depression. Studies show that 2 out of 100 children and 8 in 100 adolescents have major depression due to peer pressure, low grades, separated parents, child abuse or broken love affair.

Its rightly said that you cannot take good care of someone else if you don't take care of yourself which includes eating well, exercising and taking enough rest, besides taking time to recharge, seeing a movie, going for a walk, spending time with friends and setting work limits to avoid stress. Don't be afraid to seek professional help, stay hopeful. Majority of people respond well to treatment.

Asking for help may seem hard. Yet that's what you need to do. Talk with your doctor or counselor about your problems and decide on a treatment plan. The following suggestions may help you:

1. Ask a trusted person to accompany you to your first appointment to help describe your problem and be there to support you.
2. Don't skip pills or change doses without consulting your doctor. Report any side effects right away.
3. Don't isolate yourself from others.
4. Exercise or take a walk regularly.
5. Don't take important decisions until your depression is under control.