Depressive disorders affect about 19 million American adults annually. It's an illness that affects your body, mind and spirit. More than simply a bad mood or having a bad week, depression is a major health problem you need to address head-on. The good news is that it is treatable.

Depression can affect anyone, but many experts now believe genetics play a role. If someone in your family battled with the disorder, pay extra attention when you or a loved one begins showing telltale signs. And if you are a woman, be aware that women are twice as likely as men to develop the disorder. Without treatment, symptoms can last months and even years.

Here are a few signs that can help you recognize depression, whether it's for yourself or for a loved one:

• Consistently feeling sad and/or anxious
• Feelings of hopelessness or impending doom
• Feelings of guilt or worthlessness
• Loss of interest in things that were once enjoyed, including hobbies, careers, sex and relationships
• Loss of energy and drive to complete tasks
• Difficulty making decisions
• Too much or too little sleep
• Changes in appetite—some patients experience extreme weight loss or weight gain
• Inability to concentrate
• Thoughts of suicide, or talking about death
• Irritability
• Physical aches and pains, such as headaches, cramps or digestive problems that don’t go away, even with treatment

It’s important to note that showing just a few of these signs for short periods of time may not be cause for concern. However, if the symptoms persist on a regular basis, and particularly if they last for more than two weeks, then you or your loved one should seek help immediately. Left untreated, depression can worsen pre-existing illnesses, and can even ultimately lead to death. Trained professionals, like those at Solace Counseling, can provide you with a comprehensive  depression treatment plan consisting of counseling and drug therapy.