The Declaration of Independence states that we all have certain inalienable rights, among which are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. And yet, just a few centuries after the declaration was written, we seem to be a highly dissatisfied nation. According to the Pew Research Center, only a third of adults in this country consider themselves very happy. With the freedom to choose our own religion, political beliefs and life path, we Americans must contend with the conundrum of our general discontent—because when unhappiness is left unchecked, it can lead to depression.

Although many—maybe even most—older adults experience depression at some point, persistent feelings of depression are not normal, even at end of life. Some older adults argue that depressive disorders were far less common before we grew up and became a Prozac nation. Whether or not depressive disorders are more prevalent now, they are certainly less taboo. And whatever the case, the statistics can't be ignored.

The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) estimates that approximately 2 million seniors in the US have been diagnosed with a depressive disorder. There is a full set of diagnostic criteria for depressive illness, which means that many more seniors will experience symptoms of depression without meeting the criteria for being diagnosed.

If you suspect that you are suffering from depression, take action. Ask yourself this: if you suspected you had a serious physical illness or disease, would you write it off as no big deal? Your mental well-being is just as important. Acknowledging a potential problem is the first step in improving your quality of life. The following steps will help get you started in the right direction.

1. Consult a psychiatrist. Get an expert opinion. A psychiatrist can determine your mental health needs, and will prescribe antidepressants, recommend psychotherapy or suggest a combination of the two if appropriate. On the Geriatric Mental Health Foundation Web site, you can search for a geriatric psychiatrist near you who has experience with the special needs of older adults.

2. Make sure your medications don't conflict. Certain drugs can worsen the symptoms of depression, while others react negatively with antidepressants. Drugs that increase the symptoms of depression include medication for pain, high blood pressure, Parkinson's disease and arthritis, along with some anticancer agents, heart medications and tranquilizers.

3. Join a support group. Isolation is often both a contributing factor and consequence of depression. Mental Health America, formerly known as the National Mental Health Association, has 320 affiliates nationwide and comprises professionals, advocates, individuals in recovery and their families. The search engine connects users with local resources, including social and support groups. The Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance is another wonderful resource providing links to support services, educational programs and events and recovery steps.

4. Do your homework. The American Association for Geriatric Psychiatry delineates resources for members of the organization, as well as patients and caregivers, health care professionals and members of the media. This comprehensive site is an invaluable source for everything depression-related.

Help is out there—you just need to take the first steps. Don't forget: health and happiness are the cornerstones of a life lived to its potential.