Mind and Body
Home Page
The Oprah Winfrey Show
Oprah After The Show
O, The Oprah Magazine
O at Home
Oprah & Friends Radio
Harpo Films
Oprah's Book Club
Oprah's Angel Network
Expert Minutes
About Oprah
Oprah Boutique
Spirit and Self
Relationships
Food and Home
Mind and Body
Beauty and Style
Money
World
Oprah.com Exclusives
Video
Message Boards
Oprah Alert
Newsletter
E-Mail Us
Learn More About Depression

If you are struggling with depression, you are not alone. In addition to seeking professional help, educate yourself with these self-assessment tools and books, and connect with others on Oprah.com.


The Facts
Almost 19 million Americans suffer from clinical depression—almost 10 percent of the population. Twice as many women suffer from depression as men and a recent study by the National Institute of Mental Health suggests that 1 in 8 women will experience depression in her life time.

Bipolar disorder, once known as manic depression, affects 2.3 million Americans. Men and women are equally likely to develop it. Its sufferers endure cycles of devastating lows and euphoric and compulsive highs. People with bipolar disorder have three times the alcohol and drug abuse rate as the rest of the population. The mania, or the highs, can lead to destructive, extreme and reckless behavior including violence, aggression, compulsive shopping and/or sexual promiscuity. The irrational highs are followed by periods of deep, paralyzing depression. Many bipolar people commit suicide—20 percent end up dying by their own hands.

Understanding Depression
bullet Learn more about depression and other mental health issues at the National Institute of Mental Health's website, www.nimh.nih.gov.
bullet If you or someone you know is contemplating suicide, please contact the National Suicide Hotline at 800-SUICIDE.
bullet The symptoms of depression
bullet Men, women and depression
bullet How to help a depressed loved one
bullet Breaking down anxiety medication
bullet How to help a friend

Self-Assessment Tools
bullet Are you satisfied with your life?
bullet Five questions to ask yourself now
bullet Are you depressed?
bullet The Stress Detector Test
bullet Take your emotional temperature.
bullet Ways to ease the symptoms of mild depression and anxiety
bullet How to be happier

Postpartum Depression
bullet When a mother secretly thinks about killing her children
bullet Brooke Shields's struggle for sanity
bullet What is Postpartum Psychosis? Symptoms, frequently asked questions and solutions
bullet What your mother never told you about motherhood
bullet Postpartum Depression checklist
bullet How to talk to your spouse about your depression

Related Books
bullet On the Couch
by Lorraine Bracco
bullet Morning Has Broken: A Couple's Journey Through Depression
by Emme Aronson and Phillip Aronson
bullet Anatomy of a Secret Life
by Gail Saltz, M.D.
bullet Down Came the Rain
by Brooke Shields
bullet Women's Moods
by Dr. Deborah Sichel
bullet When Words Are Not Enough: The Women's Prescription for Depression and Anxiety
by Dr. Valerie Davis Raskin and Karen R. Kleiman
bullet This Isn't What I Expected: Overcoming Postpartum Depression
by Dr. Valerie Davis Raskin and Karen R. Kleiman
bullet The Noonday Demon: An Atlas of Depression
by Andrew Solomon

O Support Groups
bullet Bipolar Disorder: This group's mission is to meet and discuss this disorder, so we can be not alone.
bullet Dealing with Depression and on Meds: To love and support women who are suffering from depression and are currently taking medicine for it. To give them a forum to release their feelings.

Message Boards
bullet Lorraine Bracco, Gary Allan and Emme and Phil Aronson have shared their struggles with depression. Now, share your thoughts.
bullet Did you relate to Shawn Colvin, Maurice Benard or Linda Hamilton's stories on Depressed, Mentally Ill and Famous? Talk about the show here.
bullet Do you suffer from depression or have a loved one who does? Share your experiences and connect with others.

line
From the shows Depressed, Mentally Ill and Famous, Dad Kills Twins: The Truth About Depression  and An Actress, a Supermodel and a Country Star Pull Back the Veil on Depression
INSIDE MIND & BODY
Fitness
Weight
Your Health
Beauty
Sexuality
At Any Age
Emotional Well-being
Bob Greene
TALK WITH OTHERS
  Message Boards
  O Groups



Oprah, The Oprah Winfrey Show, Oprah & Friends, Make the Connection, Oprah's Book Club, Use Your Life, Live Your Best Life, Oprah's Favorite Things, Wildest Dreams with Oprah and Oprah Boutique are registered trademarks of Harpo, Inc. Harpo is a registered trademark of Harpo Productions, Inc. The Oprah Store, Oprah.com, Oprah's Big Give, The Big Give, Give Big or Go Home, America's Doctor, Expert Minutes, the "Oprah" signature and the "O" design are trademarks of Harpo, Inc., Oprah's Angel Network®, Angel Network, O Ambassadors and the corresponding "O" design are trademarks of Oprah's Angel Network. Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls is a trademark of The Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy Foundation. O, The Oprah Magazine and O at Home are registered trademarks of Harpo Print, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
TM & Copyright Harpo Productions, Inc. .... All Rights Reserved.
Terms and Conditions .... Privacy Policy .... Ad Sales .... Press Room ... Harpo Careers

Questions About Sweepstakes Scam