Even though depression is a medical illness, there is still enormous stigma attached to this disease.
Many people continue to view depression as a personality trait, something to snap out of.
In fact, people with depression can't snap out of it anymore than people with other diseases can. Depression is not a personality flaw, and it is highly treatable. They may discourage emotional intimacy as they try to cope with their increased vulnerability and pain. At the time when intimate and loving relationships are most critical, depression can divide and isolate even the closest relationship, leaving partners feeling unloved, frustrated and angry. Making matters worse, even some treatments for depression can cause further problems in a relationship.