When a person is suffering from depression, they are not weak, lazy or wallowing in self pity.
Depression is a real illness and if left untreated, can become very serious.
Depression is believed to be associated with a chemical imbalance in the central parts of the brain.
As a fellow sufferer, I know how low you feel as a person, and having family or friends telling you that you'll get over it, certainly doesn't help.
It took me a long time to feel "normal" again, but I have conquered it.
If a member of your family or a friend is a sufferer of this illness, the best thing you can do for them is to let them know that you understand what they're going through, and that you're there to give them support whenever they need it.
The only way to recover is with proper treatment and having a support team around you.
I don't know how I would have coped without my family being there for me.
Sometimes you just need a hug, or someone to listen to how you're feeling.
Don't be afraid to ask your loved one if you can help, as it's sometimes hard for the depression sufferer to ask for it.
Once the symptoms are under control, you can play an integral part in helping the sufferer regain their self confidence.
Go with them on excursions outside the home and encourage them to live their life as they did before the onset of depression.
You can help more than you think.