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The stigma surrounding depression stems from a lack of understanding of the condition. It is not just a case of "the blues" or a reaction to one of life's temporary setbacks. In the hope of helping others understand more, I've compiled a list of things to know about depression, as well as ways to help those in our lives who suffer from it.

1) Suffering from depression does not mean that a person is weak, whiny, or seeking attention. On the contrary, living with depression on a daily basis requires a great amount of emotional strength just to keep going. Most people suffer quietly because they don't want to inconvenience others or don't want to come off as a whiner. This in turn fuels the feelings of isolation, further adding to the problem.

2) More often than not, there is no one single cause of depression. Sometimes it's a biological issue with a chemical imbalance in the brain. Sometimes it's situational, where there's either been a major traumatic event or several small things that have piled up over time. Sometimes it's seasonal. And sometimes, it's a combination of all of these things.

3) There is no quick fix for depression. Medication can help, but is better used as a tool to get the mind to a state where examining deeper issues is possible. Many medications used to treat depression also have side-effect which, in some cases, may worsen the condition by creating new problems to deal with. Religion is also not a very reliable "treatment"- when the problems don't magically vanish upon finding God (or return shortly thereafter), one can feel that they are being punished, or that their God doesn't love them, making the person feel even more alone than they were to begin with.

4) Depression is not something you "just get over" or "snap out of". You don't go to bed one night and wake up and it's gone. There are always days that are better than others, and events that bring great joy. But the hallmark of depression is that it lies just below the surface even in times of happiness, waiting to resurface.

If you know someone suffering from depression, the most important and useful thing you can do for them is just to be there. Let them know you're happy to listen if they need to talk, and make it clear that you won't judge them. Make a point to ask them about future plans, long-term goals, and so forth. Gently reminding them that there is a future provides hope. Talk to them about subjects they're knowledgeable on and passionate about, ask questions, and show interest in the answers. This inspires confidence, which helps to lift the cloud of despair.

So often, when we hear of people who've succumbed to depression and taken their own lives, it's accompanied by the statement, "But I don't understand how they could have felt alone; they were so popular and loved." Yet many people suffer silently with depression for fear of being seen as weak, losing respect of peers and loved ones. Most will take the answer "get over it" and go on, knowing it's not that simple, but too afraid to try to continue the discussion.

We can try to force changes in government and workplace policies, but in the end, it's up to us as individuals to lift the stigma surrounding depression through educating ourselves and others to gain a better understanding of the condition and how we can help, one person at a time.

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