Depression can vary from a short term feeling of sadness, perhaps brought about by an unfortunate life event such as the death of a pet or anxiety about his or her circumstances, to a long-term, chronic mental illness.

Chronic depression is extremely stressful for everybody concerned, not just the depressed person. There can be mood swings, feelings of hopelessness, insomnia, panic attacks suicidal thoughts, suicidal attempts, the frustration and the feeling of helplessness about not being able to snap out of it. The depressed person is a continuing source of anxiety to those close to him or her, family members, friends and work colleagues. Panic attacks can be frightening for those involved with the depressed person.

The possibility of suicide or acts of self harm by the make depression a dangerous illness that should be treated medically. The depressed person should be monitored closely for signs that he/she might do something harmful. There are several very effective antidepressant drugs available to medical practitioners.

Drug treatment is usually the first treatment for the depressed person to be tried for depression but it is also important to look carefully at the lifestyle of the individual to ascertain if there are factors that could be causing or aggravating the condition.

The depressed person must be treated with sympathy and care but at the same time be encouraged to have positive thoughts. Physical activities are helpful in lifting mood as can be meditation, yoga and psychotherapies. Relaxation exercises can be especially useful for those who suffer from panic attempts.