Depression is a complex disease that affects nearly one in every ten people. It is usually described as a pervasive feeling of a depressed or blue mood lasting more than two weeks, and associated with other common symptoms such as insomnia, change in appetite, feelings of hopelessness or despair, feelings of guilt, and/or a loss of interest in activities. Untreated depression can lead to suicide and other disease. Luckily, depression is easily treated.

The first place to turn if you or somebody you care about might have depression, is your own family doctor. If you don’t have a doctor, click here to find a doctor.

For further reading on depression, we suggest the following books which explore the experiences of depression as well as the treatments.

Listening to Prozac by Peter D. Kramer

Prozac Nation: Young and Depressed in America: A Memoir by Elizabeth Wurtzel

The Adolescent Depression Workbook by Stuart MD Copans, Mary Ellen MA MS Copeland

Having a Crisis?
Befriendes.org has a detailed website with listings of CRISIS centers and phone numbers throughout the US and World. Other places to look for help include the Boys Town National Crisis Hotline: 1-800-448-3000, (in English or Spanish. TTY line for hearing impaired: 1-800-448-1833). The National Alliance Mental Illness at 800-950-NAMI (6264) is another dedicated hotline. Finally, if you or somebody you know is suicidal, you can get help and information at the National Crisis Line at 1-888-SUICIDE.

There are also a number of good websites and other sources with regards to depression. Our favorites include the Wings Of Madness Depression Guide, the National Institute of Mental Health and Befrienders.Org. Other helpful sites include:

The American Psychological Association Comprehensive website including general information and news about psychology. www.apa.org

Center for Mental Health Services Information about mental health services. www.mentalhealth.org

National Institute of Mental Health The national organization devoted to treatment and research in mental health. www.nimh.nih.gov

National Alliance for the Mentally Ill Grass roots and self-help. www.nami.org

American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Information about childhood disorders and treatment. www.aacap.org

American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy. www.aamft.org

The American Psychiatry Association www.psych.org.