At any given time 9.5% of the population is suffering from some form of depression. Many of these people never seek treatment or are unaware that depression is in fact treatable. While not everyone experiences the same symptoms, if you are suffering from depression, you may feel consistently sad or empty, experience feelings of guilt or helplessness, lose interest in things you once enjoyed, suffer from insomnia and decreased energy, or have thoughts of suicide.

There are many potential causes for depression, and cases vary from person to person. Depression can run in families, which leads some researchers to believe that the condition can be inherited. In some cases, people who have experienced trauma or are suffering from severe illnesses will also develop a depressive disorder, suggesting that depression can be caused by psychological or physical changes in one's life as well. Depression is more common in women than men, and can sometimes be caused by hormonal changes in the body, which women are more prone to.

Any diagnosis of a depressive disorder should be accompanied by a physical evaluation and conducted by a doctor. There are some viral illnesses, as well as other medications, that can cause symptoms of depression, and these should be ruled out. Once a diagnosis is obtained, your doctor should work with you to develop the best treatment for you.

Depression can often be treated with therapy alone, but some patients do decide to try prescription medication. The most commonly prescribed medications are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), tricyclics, and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). It can take a while to find the right medication or combination of medications for each person, but all prescription depression medications have a risk of minor, or occasionally major, side effects.

If prescription medications aren't working as well as you'd like them to, or if you're unhappy with the side effects and risks that accompany them, you may decide to explore herbal remedies for depression. There are many natural cures for depression available in the marketplace, but it's best to look for ones with a few key ingredients:

St. John's Wort is one of the most effective natural ingredients for treating depression. In fact, in some countries like Germany, St. John's Wort outsells many of the major prescription anti-depressive medications. The active ingredients in St. John's Wort are believed to naturally boost serotonin levels, which helps lift spirits and ease depression.

Passion flower is a natural ingredient that is often used to treat sleep disorders and anxiety. It helps to soothe and calm, and when combined with St. John's Wort can be a wonderful aid in treating depression naturally.

Depression is a life-consuming condition, but you do not have to suffer quietly. If you think have a depressive disorder, seek professional help to find the treatment options that are best for you and your condition, whether they include prescription medication or natural remedies for depression, and remember to explore a variety of options before making a decision.