ALL OF US "get the blues" or go through th occasional funk. Feeling a little low is a normal response to life's struggles and occasional emotional bruises. But when intense sadness lasts for long periods of time or stops a person from functioning day-to-day, this can be an indication of a depres-sive disorder. Symptoms can include persistent and sometimes severe feelings of worthlessness, guilt, sadness, helplessness, and hopelessness. Unfortunately, around 19 million American adults live with majordepression, and about 20-25 percent of us will experience an episode at some point, with women twice at risk. (Depression in men may be underreported.)
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