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MARQUETTE -- According to the Journal of the American Medical Association, by the year 2020, depression will be the most common health problem in the world.

Our Facebook viewers wanted to know more about the illness, specifically what common things people do on their own that can worsen the condition.

Professionals say if your sleep, appetite, concentration and energy have all been affected by any type of depression, especially for longer than three months, you need to talk to someone immediately.

Whether depression is treated professionally by therapy or medication, is a debated topic on our Facebook page.  Medical professionals say that every case is different, and while they always advise professional counseling in these situations, they do recommend medication as well if an individual is suicidal or they've reached a point where they are failing to function.

But if you haven't reached that point, yet are feeling depressed, you still need to take action.

"The worst thing you can do is nothing," says Behavioral Health Therapist Mindy Miller.  "That's the worst thing you can do...sit around and wait for it to get better."

You should exercise, eat healthy, engage in relaxing activities and push yourself to stay in close contact with family and friends.

Facebook viewer Laine Weidner writes:  "You can self talk, go for walks, talk to a friend or loved one...or do anything you might enjoy!  Just don't let your mind idle!"

The most common way people attempt to self medicate are sometimes the most harmful, such as turning to alcohol, which is a depressant.

"You might feel giggly and fun for a while, but the next day you're going to feel worse," Miller says.

Feasting on sweets and/or foods high in carbohydrates will temporarily increase your blood sugar, but afterwards, your mood will fall.  If you turn to shopping and spend money you don't have, you'll gain a sense of guilt or further anxiety.

"Basically, all the things we want to do are the things we have to be mindful of not doing," Miller says.

The population that's hit the hardest by depression is the elderly.  The Ishpeming Senior Center says a majority of their senior population is taking anti-depressants.

Professionals say the best way for seniors to battle the disease is to stay active and participate in peer-related activities, as well as look for ways to create new memories.