how many people a year does depression affect?
346840
I'd say "all of them", in one way or another.  Those who aren't depressed know someone who is, and that affects them in ways they may not be fully aware.
947407
I disagree, with the response there already.  Depression is caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain.  Not always the issues in your life (with some exceptions)   It is hereditary, which proves it is in your physiology!   My sister has depression, has gone through many hospitalizations.  She finally qualified for social security, she is disabled and unable to work.   That release of the stress of worrying about work and money has helped her tremendously. It was a cycle of stressing about money and getting sicker.  She is so much better now.  And can still work, because there are ways to work when you can and still qualify.   Medication is an issue even if you don't want to discuss it.   You will probably have to go through a lot of them before finding the one that works for you.   And not worrying about work helps you through that process.   AND you will be denied probably at least two times before being accepted.  It just works that way.   I am a family advocate for children with mental health needs so I do know my way around the mental health system.  Good luck!
698271
Chances are it's because they either don't truly understand what depression is ~yes it IS different than just having the "blues"~ or b/c they have a bit of a stigma towards mental illness and are afraid of "catching" something themselves. People often belittle the things they fear the most. True clinical depression can't be prevented, though it can be treated, and for some people it's easier for them to believe that other people are simply selfish as opposed to suffering from a disease that they themselves might develop.
738462
Registered Nurse here; Hun you hit the nail on the head, you have the symptoms of depression.  Depression is a real illness, like cancer, diabetes, cardiac problems etc.  It doesn't have anything to do with wealth or fame.  Doesn't matter how many friends you have.  Regardless of how great your life may appear, depression occurs from within.  Since you wrote you often think of suicide, this is a Red Flag, you need some mental health help.  Something is wrong, your depressed.  Now you can turn this around, but probably not by yourself.  Well probably require a good psychiatrist, therapy, and possibly a medication regimen.  It is not your fault you feel this way, or have these thoughts, it's actually a chemical imbalance in the brain, that for whatever reason became a little unbalanced.  The great news is we have the tools and medication today to regain the balance.  But you have to do your part and this begins with making an appointment either with your personal care physician, or a mental health clinic, or psychiatrist/psychologist.  Thanks for allowing me to address this sensitive question.  Know your not alone, and you will get better.
694008
you probably have depression
907019
This is not going to make me popular but I feel that while there are people that are genuinely depressed and rightly diagnosed, a lot of people are quick to categorize themselves as depressed.  (goes hand in hand with this 'I'm a victim' mood that is prevelant in the west.) And some doctors are more than happy to go with it and prescribe medication.  Ups and down are part of life.  I think to many people here are always looking for the magic bullet - a pill that makes the problem go away rather than looking inward and dealing with it in a way that is not instant or easy.
1182203
You may want to search Yahoo!Answers for this topic, as it is asked regularly, and has gotten some great answers.\n\nIt could be that the depression has its roots in low blood sugar - something that happens to everybody every day, but for some it can hang around.  For basic information on hypoglycemia and its precursor condition - hyperinsulinemia, check out www.hufa.org.
782962
Depression and sadness.
733656
The most common signs of depression are - a person sleeps too much.  Weight loss due to a lack of appetite, although some people gain weight because they're seeking comfort from food.  A person who is depressed will stay at home alot, not wanting to interact socially.  Crying over things that would normally not upset them.  Lack of energy.  Each person is different but should show at least some of these signs.  There are many different medications available today for depression.  I suggest you try to get your Mother to see a doctor since depression is totally treatable.
676500
Bipolar disorder affects more than 2.5 million adult Americans every year. (National Institute of Mental Health)\n\nUp to 90 percent of bipolar disorders start before age 20, although the illness can start in early childhood or as late as the 40's and 50's. An equal number of men and women develop bipolar illness and it is found in all ages, races, ethnic groups and social classes. \nMore than two-thirds of people with bipolar disorder have at least one close relative with the illness or with unipolar major depression, indicating that the disease has a heritable component. (National Institute of Mental Health)
646115
People are more depressed in winter because:\n-sunlight helps produce serotonin, which is a neurotrasmitter in the brain which helps keep us feeling happy\n-people without friends or familes know the holdays will arrive soon\n-it's too cold to enjoy the outdoors and the sun\n-mainly the first thing i said that's why people diagnosed with seasonal depression often are treated with sunlamps, to fool the brain into making more serotonin
505048
Depression is more than just the normal, temporary feelings of sadness and hopelessness associated with difficult life events. The symptoms of depression are often subtle at first. It can be hard to recognize that symptoms may be connected and that you might have depression. Common symptoms include:\n\nDepressed mood.\nInability to enjoy activities.\nProblems concentrating.\nChanges in eating habits or appetite.\nWeight gain or weight loss.\nChanges in sleeping habits.\nDifficulty going to work or taking care of your daily responsibilities because of a lack of energy.\nFeelings of guilt and hopelessness; wondering if life is worth living (common).\nSlowed thoughts and speech.\nPreoccupation with thoughts of death or suicide.\nComplaints that have no physical cause (somatic complaints) such as headache and stomachache.\n\nAll of these symptoms can interfere with your quality of life. Even if you don't have major depression, if you have experienced a few of these symptoms for at least 2 weeks you may have a less severe form of depression that still requires treatment.
885715
Depression and lose of hope.
416931
Clinical Depression is a result of lifestyle choices.\n\nDepression can be combated without the use of Drugs, the drug companies do not want people to know this. Drugs are huge huge huge money maker with low up front cost.  Get regular exercise and sunshine, stop eating processed food. Get regular human contact, such as conversation, touching like hugs and hand holding, get a pet. Find a new hobby, stop watching the news, T.V. is bad for you, drive less, look into feng shui.\n\nIf humans needed drugs to survive, we never would have made it this far!  Any type of grug is an unnatural addition to your body chemistry that has an enormous effect on us.
501848
anxiety and depression.
1000816
sorry I'm not a doctor, but depression can be a physical change in the brain, typically after a stroke or head trauma physiological changes in the brain can cause depression
505274
Yes, being around people is very important.  Especially positive, spiritually uplifting people.  I had the depression experience that lasted over a year when my only son and his family moved out of state.  I was lucky I had a boyfriend that truly saved me.  Even just one good friend can mean a lot, if your like me and don't want to burden your family with your problems.  \n\nI also am a firm believer in therapy.  I could not afford a therapist this past year for my depression but I have used one in the past and it also helped.  \n\nI wish you all the best, I would hate for anyone to go thru what I went thru this past year but with the above and a new anti-depressant (wjich I have never taken before) I'm finally out of that horrible place.  Good luck to you and God Bless.