What is depression? What would be a working definition of the word. It is a mental state that is characterized by excessive sadness, feelings of sorrow and despair. Indeed, one’s normal course of life could be thrown out of gear by it.

A depressed individual’s behavior is governed by pessimistic beliefs. Sleep, appetite and concentration are disturbed. Some develop symptoms such as headaches, back pain, irritable bowel syndrome, chronic fatigue, anxiety, shortness of breath, etc.

The causes of depression can be varied. From the loss of a loved one to not being able to cope with work pressures. Profound trauma in early childhood physical or sexual abuse, a bitter divorce, the death of a parent, or other deeply disturbing experiences could set the emotional stage for depression later on in life. However, very often the brain’s chemistry of a depressed individual slips for no apparent reason. Just as people who are never exposed to smoke could get lung cancer, people who have lived happy, well-loved lives could also become depressed.

The most common misconception about depression and chronic illness is that it’s normal to become depressed when faced with a chronic illness. It is normal, yes, but only during the initial “Adjustment period” which should not last for more than a few months. Beyond that, persistent depression ought to be treated as a separate illness altogether.

Depression makes pain hurt more. It causes fatigue and lethargy that could exacerbate the loss of energy of many chronic conditions. And depression aggravates social disruption because it tends to make people withdraw into social isolation.

As every individual is unique, so is his or her desire to live life to its fullest. We look around for support, for care and concern. Depression is remarkably common. In fact, depression is often called “The common cold of mental health problems”. At least one person in six has a serious, or “Major”, depressive episode at some point in his life.

Another reason why depression is often overlooked is that an enormous number of other symptoms could mask it. You may have to live with your chronic illness. But you don’t have to live with depression. Depression is treatable. One frequent benefit of getting your depression treated is that, once your mood has brightened, your chronic illness often becomes easier to endure and manage.

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