Depression is one of the many reasons that some people resort to self-injury. For some people, its the only way of coping with their depression. Depression is a mood disorder characterised by feelings of sadness, helplessness, and hopelessness, often seen during the grief accompanying the loss of a relative or close friend, and in clinical depression. This is much different to feeling a bit down or having a touch of the blues, which are both perfectly healthy, and natural. In the UK, 10 per cent of people suffer from some form of depression during their lifetime. The disorder strikes men and women of all ages and from all parts of society, but some studies indicate that women are more often afflicted. There are various medications that are used to help alleviate the effects of depression, among them are Prozac, Citalopram and Mirtazapine. Some people may also suffer from a type of depression known as Manic Depression, or Bipolar Disorder. This differs quite differently from normal depression in that the patient suffers manic episodes (extreme highs) and meloncholy (depression). They are also prescribed different medication. One of the better known medications being Lithium.