Depression..

"Depression is not a sign of weakness. It is a sign that you have been trying to be strong for too long . Put this on status if you know someone who has or had depression . Will you do it and at least leave it on your status for one hour? Most people won't but it's Mental Health Week and 1 in 3 of us will suffer at some point in our lives . Please show your support♥"

This was posted on my facebook news feed this morning and reposted by several of my friends. If you have never suffered from depression, the statement will mean very little to you. Depression is one of those nasty things that society thinks is self-inflicted and therefore can be easily controlled or fixed. That is not the case. Not at all.

Depression is caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain that feeds off of stress, lack of sleep or whatever else life chooses to throw at you with little or no regard for your well-being. It can be treated with medication but that to can have its challenges. Depression is the first and most devastating symptom of Parkinson's Disease and if not managed properly can lead to a host of problems and in the worst case, suicide.

The next time that you hear someone is depressed, don't judge. It is likely not their fault. Instead, be supportive and understanding. It just may make the difference between life and death.