Most of the 18.8 million American adults who suffer from a depressive illness every year do not seek treatment. Depression often interferes with a person’s day-to-day behavior as well as jeopardizing the relationships with those who are close to them. Serious depression can destroy a family as well as the depressed person.

Much of a depressive person’s suffering is unnecessary with proper treatment. Tragically, many people do not recognize that depression is treatable. With years of research there are medications and psychosocial therapies that help to relieve the pain of depression.

The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) has made available a 25 page PDF booklet that discusses depression. What depression is, who it affects, when they are likely to be affected, how it is diagnosed, how it can be treated, and where to get help. The resource section offers numerous sites for additional information.