Depression affects people of all ages, from all walks of life, in all countries. Depression can lead to suicide, now the second leading cause of death among 15-29-year olds.

Depression is different from the usual mood fluctuations & short-lived emotional responses to challenges in everyday life. It causes mental anguish; impacts on people's ability to carry out even the simplest everyday tasks, with sometimes devastating consequences for relationships with family and friends and the ability to earn a living.

People living with a serious mental illness are at higher risk of suffering many chronic physical health conditions. At the same time, people living with chronic physical health conditions suffer depression & anxiety at twice the rate of people without such health conditions.

Depression drains a person's energy, optimism, and motivation. Your depressed loved one can't just "snap out of it" by sheer force of will. People with depression feel ashamed & mistakenly believe they should be able to overcome it with willpower alone.

Hiding the problem won't make it go away. Making excuses, covering up the problem, or lying for a friend or family member who is depressed keeps the depressed person from seeking treatment.

Depression rarely gets better without treatment & may get worse. With the right treatment approach, the person you care about can get better.