This loss of interest often causes problems with sleeping and eating. Brief periods of depressed mood are normal.

Depression can occur as early as childhood. The most common ages for depression are from 30 to 50. But symptoms of the disease can occur at any age. They should be treated by a healthcare provider.

Depression has many possible causes for both men and women. These include: stressful life events, too much or too little of certain brain chemicals, and certain inherited traits. But some research says more women than men have depression because of certain stresses that many women face. These include having major roles at home and work, single parenthood, and caring for children and aging parents. How these things may affect women isn't yet fully understood. This difference may also be linked to how depression is defined and how symptoms are evaluated. For instance, women with depression may have symptoms like sadness and hopelessness. But men with depression are more likely to show symptoms of anger, isolation, alcohol abuse, and irritability. And men often don't say that they feel sad or use other emotional terms.

Put them off until your depression lifts.

Get help if you have any of these problems for more than 2 weeks.

Ask what is wrong if someone seems depressed. Be a good listener. It may help the person figure out what started the depression.

Instead of trying to solve their problems, do active listening. Acknowledge what they are saying without judging. Encourage them to talk about things they enjoy. Let them know they are important to you.

Vitamin B-12 and other B vitamins help the brain produce chemicals that affect mood. Low levels of vitamin B-12 and other B vitamins may be linked to depression, but more research is needed. Tell your healthcare provider about all supplements you are taking. Talk with your provider about the role of good nutrition and depression.

Severe mental illness has a large impact on the U.S. It costs more than $193 billion a year in lost earnings.