The following information is given as informational basis.

FDA documentation of depression
   http://www.fda.gov/fdac/features/1998/498_dep.html

The following post(s) are taken from http://www.islamonline.net

Name	-------
Profession	student
Question	Dear Sheikh, for over a couple of years now I deal with a severe depression. I feel worthless, stupid and useless. I also feel very lonely. Sometimes I think that being dead is better. How can I as a Muslimah learn to love and appreciate myself? I cry a lot and feel very unhappy. How can I get rid of my unstable behavior? Please help me. At the moment I have a counselor but a non-Muslim. I want to know how I can heal myself with the medicine of Allah. Jazaak Allah.
Answer	Dear student: Assalamu `alaykum, There are several types of depressions. One is genetic in nature, so if there is a history of depression in your extended family, it makes the offspring more prone to depression. Another type of depression is reactive in nature; they result from on-going unpleasant events in life. Depending upon the origin, length and severity of depression, a treatment regimen is determined which may consist of medications as well as counseling and therapy. Regardless of the origin of depression, if a person learns to change his/her ways of thinking and lives by healthy Islamic beliefs, it would bring internal strength to deal and cope with the disappointments of life. So, look at where is your depression coming from, and what are the messages you give yourself in your head that makes you feel depressed, continue to take properly prescribed medicine and seek counselling/therapy to help you examine your beliefs and change your ways of thinking and responding to events in life. Insha'Allah, it would begin to make you stronger to deal with your depression.

Name	xxxx
Profession
Question	I always think life is more of a struggle and I feel bad about my self and life in most ways. At times, I feel complete despair. All my friends say that I'm probably depressed and I have to visit a psychiatrist, but only one of my friends told me that I have only to be more religious. What do you think?
Answer	Dear sister : Assalamu Alaikum, Life indeed is a struggle for all of us in many ways. But, it has its good moments. If one is not able to appreciate the good moments of life and is always brooding about its struggles and challenges, then one does need help. But, this also does not necessarily mean that one is suffering from depression. What needs to happen is one has to learn different and healthy ways of thinking and responding to these struggles of life; and that is what I believe you need. Becoming more religious may mean different things to different people. But, if you begin to understand the teachings of religion about life and its struggles, then it would help you change the way you think about them and therefore you would respond to them differently, more healthily. Hope this helps.

Name	xxxx -
Profession	student
Question	Salaam Alaikum; Sometimes when I am depressed my situation becomes horrible. I don't like anyone talking to me and the depression continues for days. I cant eat anything and what ever I eat I feel like I will vomit. No matter how hard I try to make my self happy I still end up in the same situation. What to do?
Answer	Dear Brother: wa alaikum salaam Have you sought any treatment for your depression yet? There are some very effective medicines that would help control your depression, and then you can seek some counseling to learn to change your ways of thinking and your beliefs and attitudes about life.