Depression is more than feeling sad and down; it is a biological disease that can cause crippling anxiety, impairs cognition, and submerses its sufferers in a world of hopelessness and pessimistic nihilism. I always feel like Im drowning, one suffer describes.

It is largely due to disturbed reuptake of the neurotransmitter serotonin, and is commonly treated clinically with prescription Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) or Mono-Amine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs). These drugs regulate an unbalanced flow of serotonin and dopamine in the spaces where one neuron connects to another.

It affects one in ten Americans2.5 million peopleyet the National Mental Health Association reports that 54 percent of people believe depression to be a personal weakness.

People that suffer from depression can have difficulty holding down a job, maintaining a stable relationship, or even caring for themselvesdoing the things like bathing and paying bills that others do and dont really think about.

The disease usually runs a cyclical course: most people with depression live their lives fluctuating between an intense period of illness that may present as headaches, insomnia, loss of appetite, crying spells, and intense fatigue; and recovery periods where the acute symptoms subside or disappear altogether.

The cyclical nature of this disease can put its victims in a downward spiralyou lose your job because you cant control your depression, you lose your health insurance that at least makes it manageable, get depressed because youre off of your medication and cant hold down your new joband so it goes.

However, there is help out there. If you think you might be depressed, start by talking to your doctor. Talk to a friend as well.

If you suffer from depression, you should try a regimen of outpatient group therapy. This is a group you go to a few times a week that collectively works on skills to manage depression. Not only is company great for misery, but the activity will get you out of the house. Remember: worrying is not an action step.

Call your countys Health and Human Services Department, and ask what public services are available to you. Many sufferers are eligible for government assistance to participate in groups, see doctors, get blood work done, and receive job assistance.

The National Institute of Mental Health, NIMH, is an amazing resource for understanding the disease. Educating yourself is crucial because it puts you in control of managing your disease.

Try to understand what your symptoms are and what life events trigger your own acute attacks so that you can discuss them with your family doctor.

In addition to educating yourself about the disease, read up foods and natural supplements you can incorporate into your diet that will alleviate some of your symptoms, as well as make you healthier and instill you with a better sense of well-being. Vitamins B1 and B12 and Omega-3 fatty acids are especially good for depression sufferers.

If your condition requires medication, you will need to see a psychiatrist. A psychiatrist differs from a psychologist in that a psychiatrist doesnt do much more than prescribe medication, while a psychologist cant prescribe medication but talks to you. Because they talk to each other, being knowledgeable of your symptoms and discussing them with both is of the utmost importance.

Medication often has a negative connotation, but just a person with a heart condition needs to take heart medication, people with brain-chemistry conditions need to take brain-chemistry medicine.

Depression is a complicated disease, and different medications are the right ones for different people. Communicate with all of your doctors about how a medication makes you feel, and if it is working for you. Be patient. It may take a few tries to find the best medication.

Should you start taking medication you will likely start to feel at least a little better within a few days. In two weeks you will see a noticeable change.

It is critical that you continue to take your medication once you start to feel better. Not only will your old symptoms return, but withdrawing from your medication will intensify them.

Whatever course of management you choose, get help when you feel good so that you are not gasping for air when an acute attack occurs.

If you should have an acute attack or episode, surround yourself with friends and familydont be alone. Also, though it may take every ounce of your energy, try to get some exercise to boost your metabolism. It really will make you feel better.

Most importantly, if you are experiencing pervasive thoughts of dying and/or suicide, and especially if you have a plan for committing suicide, you should tell someoneanyoneas soon as possible and make an appointment with a doctor. Or, if you are really in crisis, go immediately to the hospital.

Healthmate