Feel depressed? You're not alone.

About one in four adults will have a bout with a diagnosable mental health disorder, such as depression, each year. For most, it will be short-lived. But nearly 7% will have a major depressive disorder, the leading cause of disability in adults ages 15 to 44. It can strike any age, any race and either sex, although it's more prevalent in women than men.

Mood variations are normal, but those who suffer from major depression are overpowered by it. Symptoms include a pervasive sense of sadness, emptiness, anxiety or worthlessness. This is compounded by guilt over why they feel bad when life should be good. Physical symptoms include fatigue, diminished sex drive and insomnia.

Treatment for depression varies depending on its severity, and it can include medications, psychotherapy and electroconvulsive therapy. Treatment works, but it will take time. Therapy is tailored to the individual, the severity of the depression and its impact on one's ability to function.

If you have symptoms of major depression, visit your doctor to help get yourself back to a healthier mental state.Tedd Mitchell, M.D.,president and CEO of Dallas' Cooper Clinic, writes HealthSmart every week.