This loss of interest usually causes sleeping and eating patterns to suffer. Brief periods of depression are normal.

Depression can occur as early as childhood. The most common ages for depression are from 30 to 50. Symptoms of the disease can occur at any age, though, and should be treated by a health care professional.

Some research says the higher incidence of depression in women is because of particular stresses that many women face, such as major responsibilities at home and work, single parenthood, and caring for children and aging parents. How these factors may uniquely affect women isn't yet fully understood. All people experience stress. In women, hormones may affect how they handle the stress, just as in men, hormones may increase the risk for heart attack in the face of stress.

Put them off until your depression lifts.

Seek help if you experience any of these problems for more than two weeks.

Ask what is wrong if someone seems depressed. Be a sounding board; it may help the person determine what triggered the depression.

Instead of trying to solve the person’s problems, engage in active listening. Acknowledge what the person is saying without being judgmental. Encourage the person to talk about experiences that he or she enjoys. Let the person know that he or she is important to you.

L-tyrosine, an amino acid that converts to norepinephrine in the body, is also helpful.

U.S. companies lose an estimated $30 billion to $44 billion each year because of depression among their employees, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. People suffering from severe depression take more time off from work than those who suffer from hypertension, diabetes, and other chronic conditions.