“Depression is so very different from feeling sad. Sad hurts but it’s a healthy feeling. Depression is very different.” – J.K. Rowling

Affecting more than 300 million people worldwide, depression is a common illness that can take lives. Yet an understanding of depression is incredibly limited.
Here, we aim to raise awareness and build understanding about depression. It is more than simply a low mood: it causes mental anguish, impacts on our ability to carry out even the simplest daily tasks, and can cause us to function poorly in work, education and socially.

No one knows for sure what causes depression, and much more research still needs to be done. However, it is generally accepted that it is a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Depression tends to run in families. This could be because of genes, or it could be due to being exposed to other people’s low moods.

The stigma around depression means that those of us who suffer often find it difficult to reach out and get help. Yet sometimes simply talking can be life-saving. It’s #oktosay.