Depression - Can It Affect Anyone?

Depression can affect any age group and it may occur as early as childhood. People between age 30 and 50 years are more commonly affected by depression. Therefore, regardless of any age, symptoms of depression should not be neglected for long and should be consulted with a healthcare professional.

A person with depression may get haunted by a sense of guilt or worthlessness. It is usually accompanied by a lack of hope or recurring thoughts of suicide or death. Brief periods of depressed moods are normal but they should not be ignored if the symptoms continue for more than two weeks and they are interrupting the daily routine.

If you feel that someone is in a depressed mood, ask about the problems and listen carefully to the person. It may help the person identify the problems that are causing depression. Also, the patient feels better if he or she can discuss the problems with someone else. It gives the feeling to the patient that he or she is important to you and someone is there who can understand him or her.

Depression is a mental health disorder but it may affect other parts of the body as well. For example, a patient with depression is at a higher risk of heart disease.