Introduction

People casually use the phrase, “I’m so depressed” to let others know that they are feeling down. But a temporary case of the blues – something we all experience – has nothing to do with real depression.

True depression is not the blues, sadness or even grief. It is an overwhelming and enveloping despair, so bleak and dark that people who have experienced it say that it is the worst pain they have ever endured.

Depression is a treatable mental illness. While there have been changes in people’s attitudes, the stigma associated with mental illness may mean that some people with depression are reluctant to seek treatment and instead, struggle alone. Yet, those who do enter treatment have an excellent chance of recovery. Research has shown that most people who receive treatment for depression respond well.