People suffering from feelings of stress, anxiety and sadness can be experiencing the symptoms of depression.
Depression is a serious and real condition and one that should be taken seriously and treated professionally.
Sadly there is still a stigma attached to mental illness like depression, anxiety and other psychological disorders.
Psychiatrists, psychologists and professionals who are qualified to treat mental illness work hard to get the message across that these disorders are serious and can affect a person's physical well-being, their family life and their careers.
People suffering from depression are not weak or unable to handle the ups and downs of everyday life.
The opposite is true.
Studies have proven that in many cases, it is strong people who have had to cope with huge amounts of troubles or pressures that develop the symptoms of depression.
And everyone copes with life in a different way, our experiences and sense of self will also have a huge part to play in how we handle any stressful situation and how it affects us.
Depression is not a sign of weakness, neither is it a sign of madness.
It is simply a diagnosed disorder indicating mental illness, with tried and tested medications and therapies available to address the problems.
And that is the most important message to get out to sufferers of depression, and their families and co-workers.
There is life after depression.
In most cases, suffers will heal and regain their strength, health and emotional stability.
If you or, a loved one is experiencing the symptoms of depression, you should speak to your GP in the first instance.
It may also be worth making an appointment to speak to a professional psychiatrist who runs a depression or anxiety clinic.
Seek the professional advice of someone who is qualified to give you an accurate diagnosis.
Talking through your feelings and problems can be a huge help and will form part of your treatment.
Many people avoid seeking treatment because they don't feel comfortable talking, or they believe they would be regarded as stupid, weak, or ridiculous.
Nothing could be further from the truth.
No problem is insignificant, not to the individual experiencing it, or the psychiatrist supporting them.
A professional psychiatrist will be calm, friendly and approachable.
They will be understanding and non-judgemental.
Their job is to support you on your path to well-being.
This could involve therapy sessions, counselling, attending one to one sessions, exercise and diet changes, and in some cases prescription medications.
Sufferers of depression are not alone, there is help there for them and they can regain their strength and happiness.
It is not possible to fight depression on your own.
Suffers have a genuine disorder and therefore need the support and guidance from trained professional.
If you are looking for a psychiatrist or therapist your doctor will be able to recommend one to you.
Alternatively, you can search for one via reputable sources of information on the internet or in the media.
You may also seek recommendations from close relatives or friends who have also suffered from depression.
Don't ignore how you feel, and don't feel that you must suffer in silence.
The help is there for you and the road to recovery is much closer than it may appear.