Statistically, one of your group will be clinically depressed at some time in their lives, if he or she is not currently.
Society is slow to learn what true depression involves.
Much of the reason for this is ignorance on the part of both patients and carers. If you suspect that you or someone close to you might be suffering from depression, it is useful at first to appreciate what depression ISN'T. Depression is not the wholly normal feeling of sadness or melancholy that may grip you for a day or so. It is not just disappointment or loss of confidence. It is not grief - although grieving can be allied to it. Depression is not a transient state.