Depression - you are not alone
As greater understanding of depression has increased, some social stigma surrounding it has been eroded. But many sufferers are too frightened to share their experiences with others, shouldering the burden of this complex condition alone.
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If you or someone you know is a sufferer of post natal depression, depression or anxiety, it's vitally important to keep in mind that you are not alone - indeed one in four women will receive treatment for depression at some point in their lives. What that means is that you are certainly not unusual - your friends, colleagues or family members may have experience of the illness too.
Celebrities with depression
Depression doesn't make distinctions - even those well-off, outwardly confident celebrities aren't immune to the illness. In fact, in more recent years, as depression has become more widely discussed in the media, a number of household names have spoken openly about their struggles with the illness, including the following:
Emma Thompson - Emma has suffered several bouts of depression, and at her lowest was unable to wash or change her clothes - "It's the sort of depression that doesn't necessarily make you want to kill yourself - you just don't want to be, you want to switch it off and stop. That's not the same as saying 'I'm going to kill myself'. But it's a feeling I know well."
Gail Porter - Gail has been hospitalised for severe depression. She believes much wider debate about how depression is treated in the UK is needed. She is now studying counselling and has said: "I want to break down some of the stigma associated with mental illness. I'm not ashamed about what happened to me and I think I have a responsibility to talk about my experience in an open way."
Ruby Wax - Depression has been almost a constant feature of the commedienne's life, but one she kept hidden for many years: "‘I really had trouble trusting my friends enough to say, “I don’t think I’m very well”, because I didn’t want to let them down."
Trisha Goddard - Actively involved with mental health charity MIND, Trisha has spent time in a psychiatric hospital to treat depression and also suffered a nervous breakdown. "My depression hasn’t gone away, but I’ve learned to live with it. Exercise and relaxation help a lot. I don’t believe much in diets, but I eat natural foods like wholemeal bread, fruit and salads. Every little helps."
JK Rowling - The Harry Potter creator had suicidal thoughts during a period of depression but was able to get back to health following counselling, which she believes is "absolutely invaluable". She has also said: "I have never been remotely ashamed of having been depressed. Never. I went through a really rough time and I'm quite proud of the fact that I got out of that."
Ready to talk?
Talking about your own depression can be a scary prospect. Many sufferers feel that by discussing their symptoms of depression they are admitting to failure or showing a weakness. Of course, this simply isn't the case. If you're not ready to talk to friends or family just yet, there are other places you can go to for help for depression.
Netmums Coffeehouse - Mental health support
Drop-in clinic - talk to our Parent Supporters
