Depression is an illness in which there is a persistent sadness with feelings of helplessness and hopelessness.
Depression can occur at any age and can affect anyone.
Women are affected about twice as often as men. It is much misunderstood by the general public, yet it affects many people of all age groups. Personality may also play a part in depression, although anyone can become depressed under certain circumstances. In 1995, Depression Alliance was launched to meet the needs of the millions of people in Britain who are suffering from depression, and also for those who care for them. It is run by people themselves who have suffered from depression, and their first-hand experience puts them in a good position to offer understanding and support to others.