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Depression imho is a medical, physical problem, and perhaps a response to stress. It exists in all degrees. People try to "fix" depression in many ways, both acceptable and unacceptable. People build lifestyles around accommodating their favorite treatment mode.

My mode is to acknowledge the relation between powerlessness and depression, and trying to cure the powerlessness through action. That process is called "taking charge of one's life." Does it work? Well, try and find out.

Depression is not a single problem like a broken leg.
Some people are depressed by virtue of genetics, some people though effects of major events in their life can have down regulation of the neurotransmitter Serotonin. Serotonin is the transmitter responsible for feelings of wellbeing.

Some people have been conditioned to depression. Chronic verbal abuse by parents constantly telling kids they are no good, will never amount to anything. These tapes keep playing into adulthood and they have no resources to cope with life.

One of the things I have noticed in my own life and then from the graciousness of so many Freepers posting their stories, Depression can be a major catalyst for dramatic change. Lots of us out there made a life after depression that was a radical improvement over life predepression.

Depression can also be the time you figure out what the new normal in life is going to be. Had a good friend that suffered loss of her well loved dog, her significant other, her house then had a fall and a brain injury, lost her job because she is now handicaped. Depression was normal, took time but she has put it back together again.

No job, she is disabled, but new house, new dog and different life.