Depression's Grip

Depression is a disease that strikes millions every year. In fact, one-third of Oprah's audience admits that they've been depressed at some time in their lives.

Forensic psychiatrist Dr. Michael Welner says depression is actually a biochemical condition occurring deep within the brain. Nerve cells stop communicating properly with each other, and mood, feelings and thinking become off kilter when someone is depressed.

Dr. Welner shares common signs of depression:

• Sleep disturbance
• Loss of pleasure
• Excessive guilt
• Excessive worry
• Self-deprecating thoughts
• Impaired energy
• Weight loss
• Agitation
• Thoughts of death.