A study released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicated that in any two-week period, 5 percent of Americans age 12 and older have depression. And while nearly every single adult has either directly or indirectly felt the destructive forces of depression, this debilitating and rampant illness still carries a major social stigma.

Depression is still viewed as a severe weakness, a character flaw and a condition regarded with much derision. Symptoms are hidden, ignored and made worse by loved ones who do not understand the challenges of someone with depression.

Although depression affects children and adults across all social spectrums, the CDC report revealed that it is more common in women, baby boomers, blacks and those who live in poverty. Of those who are depressed, over 80 percent report an impaired ability to get things done at work and at home and difficulty interacting normally with others.

The study also revealed that only 29 percent of individuals affected by depression sought help from a mental health professional in the past year and of those with very severe symptoms of depression only 39 percent had sought treatment.

With millions of Americans, young and old, facing depression these statistics are truly astronomical. If seven out of 10 Americans affected by depression refuse to seek help, we are facing a serious health care crisis. But unlike heart disease, cancer or obesity, this crisis is largely ignored. The American health care system simply is not adequately addressing the real problems of depression. Reimbursement for care is woefully inadequate and many physicians are too quick to prescribe pills and medications without addressing the root causes.

Depression is a disease; it is not something that you deserve or "asked for." Most importantly, depression is imminently treatable. Major depression is an episodic illness that may or may not be precipitated by a serious personal problem such as a death in the family, being fired or getting a divorce.

Many recover completely without ever having another episode, although a history of depression is a major risk factor for another episode. To be diagnosed with depression a patient must have two or more of the following symptoms for at least two weeks that interfere with the ability of the person to function normally. Symptoms include: having a depressed, sad or irritable mood, lack of interest in normal activities, an impaired ability to feel pleasure, feelings of guilt and worthlessness and thoughts of suicide or death, difficulties making decisions or concentrating, fatigue, lack of energy, worry, restlessness, insomnia or increased sleepiness, changes in appetite and significant reductions of activity.

Many patients suffer from a more chronic form of depression called dysthymia. This condition is often present for two or more years and is characterized by a generalized depressed mood or "feeling glum or pessimistic." Dysthymia is associated with a variety of physical symptoms including weight loss or gain, insomnia or too much sleep, chronic fatigue, low self esteem, poor concentration, difficulty making decisions and a feeling of hopelessness

Although much more chronic and pervasive, dysthymia is now recognized as a major risk factor for suicide, heart disease and cancer as well as impaired work performance and family relationships. If battling another illness, patients who are depressed are less likely to respond to treatment or recover from disease.

If you or someone you know suffers from depression, seek help. Your physician or a psychiatrist will likely prescribe antidepressants that are highly effective and often will lead to complete recovery. But treatment must involve more than medications.

Whether your depression is episodic, situational, or more chronic, developing personal coping strategies can greatly help. Helpguide.org offers these positive tips. First, cultivate supportive relationships. Share what you are feeling with a trusted friend or loved one. Second, take care of yourself. Adopt healthy habits and do things that you enjoy. Third, get regular exercise. Exercise is a powerful tool in combating depression. Finally, seek help from a qualified psychotherapist. A counselor can help determine what other therapy options might be effective or appropriate.

With endless options to help Americans cope with depression, it is a serious mistake to ignore, avoid, or deny symptoms. We all know someone affected by this terrible illness, so please do your part to end the stigma and change the way we view depression.

Dr. David Lipschitz is the author of the book "Breaking the Rules of Aging." To find out more about Dr. David Lipschitz and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate Web page at www.creators.com. More information is available at www.drdavidhealth.com.

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