If you answered "yes" to five or more of these questions, you
may be suffering from depression. Depression often results from
persistent stress, the breakup of an important relationship,
feeling out of control, or other situational factors that affect
us biologically and emotionally. It is also possible to become
depressed without experiencing any environmental stressor. Not
everyone who is depressed or manic experiences every symptom.
Some people experience a few symptoms, some many. Also, severity
of symptoms varies with individuals. The cause of depression is
thought to be related to at least three factors: genetics,
biochemistry and life events. Although the exact role played by
these factors is not yet fully understood, substantial progress
has been made in treating the symptoms and offering hope for at
least 80% of those with a depressive disorder (National Mental
Health Association). Some types of depression run in families,
indicating that a biological vulnerability can be inherited.
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