It is an epidemic. We are a depressed nation and many of us have yet to get treated. Why is this so? Because most of us as patients and even many of our doctors, don't recognize it. There continues to be a stigma associated with depression that, like all mental illness, encourages denial. Denial can be healthy when we use it to defer our wants to another time or place, but the denial of our basic needs wounds our souls and often leads to depression. So is this a
metaphysical problem or a biological one? Yes. Sometimes depression is about a situation we can't escape. Other times it runs in our families and just seems to be in us no matter what the situation. The points to remember are:
It can be treated
Medication helps the fastest
Talk therapy helps you understand how to honor your feelings
It impairs your health in physical ways
It is not your fault, you didn't do anything wrong

National Institutes of Health
Great place to start
John's Hopkins InteliHealth
Covers all the types of depression
Dr. Ivan's Depression Central
You have to hunt and peck, but it's all there.
Psychology Information Online
Great site, includes how to find a therapist
About.com
Very easy site to get around, and comprehensive.
Depression-screening.org
Take an online test to see if you are depressed
Have-a-heart.com
Full of information and compassion
National Depressive and Manic-Depressive Association
Not very well organized but lots of links, especially to support
organizations
American Academy of Family Physicians-Handout
Has a good description of the side effects of anti-depressants
The Doctor Will See You Now
The neurobiology of depression
NetDoctor.com.uk
Comprehensive resource

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