Depression is a persistent feeling of sadness, despair and discouragement that last over a long period of time (Salmans 171). Depression affects a person's mood, thoughts, body, and behavior (Lytle). A number of factors, both biochemical and psychosocial, combine to bring on this horrible disease (Salmans 41). The biggest factor is that neurotransmitters become inactive (Stewart 8).

Unfortunately, only 20% of all depressed people actually get help (Stewart 11). Fortunately though, 85% of all depressed people that do get help can be helped to a significant degree (Salmans 75). Finally, in 1970, they saw depression as a disorder in young peoples (Stewart 8). Even babies can become depressed if they're neglected. Many young people that suffer from depression turn to suicide.

5,000 young people take their lives each year (Stewart 9). The rate of suicide dealing with teenagers, 15-19, has tripled in the past 30 years (Salmans 40). Suicide is

Depression affects one's mental life too. People start to feel worthless, guilty, sad, and empty for a long time (Kist 26). This disease can get people to think of death or suicide, some even go to the extent of attempting to take their lives. A person's memory can even be affected. Depression brings on poor concentration or inability to think and make decisions (Kist 26).

Doctors should have a comfortable room that appeals to them and others as they feel it's easy to talk about their problems (Blackman). There are two hundred different kinds of psychotherapy (Salmans 89). One type is psychoeducation (Salmans 90). Psychoeducation is to stabilize the home environment and educate the other family members about what their depressed family member is going through (Salmans 90). The most popular type of therapy is called "talking therapies" (Hales 79). "Talking therapies" are short-term, structured treatments. People usually have twelve to twenty sessions within twelve to sixteen weeks (Hales 79).

Even though 50%-60% of depressed people respond to medication within four to six weeks (Salmans 78). There are two ways that depression can be treated, with medication or with psychotherapy. In some cases both may be required. There are ways to raise a person's mood without either of these. Some people raise theirs by exercise, enjoyment, giving themselves a break, or self help groups (Hales 76). Mild depression can be fixed by group psychotherapy (Blackman).

Blackman, Maurice. You Asked about ... Adolescent Depression. Available at http://www.mental.health.com/mag1/pgs51-dp01.html

Hales, Dianne. Depression. Chelsea House Publishers, New York, Philadelphia, 1989.

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