Depression is called the common cold of emotional illness. It is the most commonly diagnosed emotional disorder for adults. At any point in time from 5 to 9 percent of all women and 2 to 3 percent of men suffer depression. Over the course of a lifetime, 10 to 25 percent of women and 5 to 12 percent of men will experience significant depression. One in five Americans will become depressed at least once in their lives. It affects children and adults of all ages, and cuts across all cultural and socioeconomic boundaries.

The key is how often you feel bad and for what period of time. When we have a loss, all of us feel sad. But depression is more intense and lasts a lot longer. Particularly beware if you have had a change in appetite or sleep patterns. Also if you get little or no enjoyment out of activities you once loved. You may be depressed.