Depression affects millions of people each year. For some people depression is a temporary state which occurs because of circumstance rather than genetics. For others, depression is a disease which will stay with them for the duration of their life. Any one of us can fall into a depressed state from time to time, but for others it is a way of life. For the person who has the illness it cannot be wished away but rather must be dealt with on a day to day basis. What is depression? The best explanation would be the loss of interest in the things that were once enjoyed. When a person is suffering from depression it is hard to see anything positive. Family functions become a chore and rather than enjoying the company of others, a depressed person would rather sit at home alone. Many people who suffer from this illness have trouble sleeping, focusing and meeting appointments. A depressed person will also suffer from chronic fatigue, aches and pains and is more prone to infections. Your body will react to your mental status. Life doesn’t seem full. There is a sense of disconnect from others. A depressed person cannot find happiness and often focuses on the negative side of most things.