Most depression (depressed mood) is a reaction to an unhappy event. It is natural to have some depression and feel sad after a loss such as the death of a relative, or after a major disappointment at home or at work. Depression is more prevalent in women than men and is especially common among adolescents.

For mild or short-lived depressive symptoms, improving health habits to provide adequate and regular sleep and good nutrition may bring relief. Regular exercise has been proven effective in reversing mild depression, and is also important in relieving more severe depression.

Research supports the usefulness of St. John's Wort (Hypericum) in treating mild depression.

If the diet is inadequate this can exacerbate the situation. Consider increasing intake of Calcium and especially Magnesium, maybe even supplementing with bio-available forms of these minerals

It is important that you understand the role this software can play in moody, depressed states. Only attempt to treat depressed moods yourself with remedies. If you consider that the sufferer has repeated or continuous bouts of depression please seek professional help. The following definitions may help.

Moodiness and depression is an emotional state in which there are extreme feelings of sadness, dejection, lack of worth, and emptiness. Depression is a term that people commonly use to refer to states involving sadness, dejection, lack of self-esteem, and lack of energy. There are several types:

1. Depressed mood: An emotional state dominated by feelings of sadness, gloominess, or emptiness, which may be associated with lack of energy. This mood state may be a temporary response to an unhappy or stressful event, or it may be persistent.
2. Chronic low-grade depression. Depressed mood is present most of the time over a period of years, and is accompanied by changes in energy, appetite, or sleep, as well as low self-esteem and feelings of hopelessness. These symptoms cause distress and difficulty in functioning, but are not as severe as in major depression.
3. Major depression: Severe, persistent depressed mood and loss of interest or pleasure in normal activities, accompanied by decreased energy, changes in sleep and appetite, and feelings of guilt or hopelessness. If the depression is very severe, it may be accompanied by psychotic symptoms or by suicidal thoughts or behaviors
4. People who suffer from low-grade depression are at increased risk for episodes of major depression. This produces a situation in which mild depression is present most of the time, with occasional periods of more severe depressive symptoms. This is commonly called "double depression."

Seek immediate help if:

- depression disrupts work and family life for more than two weeks
- depression is so severe that suicide is contemplated. Do not hesitate to call for help immediately
- you think that current medication may be causing depression

Teenage suicide is associated with depression as well as many other factors. Depression frequently interferes with school performance and interpersonal relationships. Teens with depression often have other psychiatric problems, such as anxiety disorders. Depression is also commonly associated with violence and reckless behavior. Drug, alcohol, and tobacco abuse frequently coexist with depression. Adolescents with additional psychiatric problems usually require longer and more intensive treatment.

NEVER IGNORE A SUICIDE THREAT OR ATTEMPT.