Depression is classified as prolonged feelings of sadness or hopelessness lasting longer than a two week period.
This is not a condition that one can just "snap' out of.
There are alterations in the biochemistry of the brain that are causing these symptoms and they truly require intervention.
It is also interesting to note that most people who suffer depression do not seek treatment.
Moreover, If you suffer a bout of depression and do not seek treatment it is most likely one will suffer another bout of depression in their lifetime, likely more severe than the one preceding it.
It seems even in this time of information that there is still a stigma attached with depression and mental illness.
Some of the signs and symptoms one might notice should they be experiencing depression are:

• constant feelings of sadness, irritability, or tension
• decreased interest or pleasure in usual activities or hobbies
• loss of energy, feeling tired despite lack of activity
• a change in appetite, with significant weight loss or weight gain
• a change in sleeping patterns, such as difficulty sleeping, early morning awakening, or sleeping too much
• restlessness or feeling slowed down
• decreased ability to make decisions or concentrate
• feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness, or guilt
• thoughts of suicide or death

The traditional approach to treating depression is the administration of antidepressant medication most often in the form of an SSRI.
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors) are a widely used type of antidepressant.
SSRIs increase serotonin in the brain by blocking "serotonin reuptake" in the brain.
Serotonin is the neurotransmitter that is responsible for many functions within the body, such as modulation of anger, aggression, body temperature, mood sleep, sexuality, appetite, and metabolism as well as stimulating vomiting.
In Depression it is a decrease of this important neurotransmitter that causes the symptoms of depression.
Omega 3 has been shown to have incredible benefits for depressive illnesses and mood disorders.
Neuroscientists show evidence that Omega 3 DHA produces alterations in serotonin and dopamine levels and studies show an increase in rates of depression where depletion of omega-3 fatty acids occur in the Western food supply.
Studies have shown that found that major depression is associated with low blood levels of DHA and that low DHA levels increase neural cell death via depletion in the cerebral cortex of severely depressed patients.
(Studies from the University of Iowa, USA.
) Furthermore the fatty acids found in Omega 3 (DHA EPA) are not produced by the body and therefore must be supplemented.
When Choosing an Omega 3 product to begin supplementation with there are a few things to keep in mind.
It is important to choose a product that is of Pharmaceutical grade.
You want to ensure its purity and safety, that it is free of high levels of contaminants such as heavy metals, PCBs, dioxins etc, depending upon where it is sourced from.
Also you want to ensure the levels of DHA/EPA are adequate.
Usually it's two to one EPA: DHA.
It is also worth mentioning that Omega 3 Fatty acids are not only beneficial for depression and mood disorders but a multitude of other things including; oCardiovascular Benefits oDiabetes oBrain Function oAllergies oSkin Health and Disorders oImmune System /Cancer oInflammatory Bowel Disease oEye Health oDepression oWeight loss The dose is dependent and can range anywhere from 3-10 grams per day.
It is always best to start slow and to get advice from your holistic health practitioner regarding a dose suitable for your condition.