The idea that depression comes from a personal weakness or a lack of willpower is nothing more than an old wives' tale, but it persists. Depression is not a character flaw. Expecting to just snap out of it is not realistic, just as we could not snap out of cancer, diabetes or other physical illnesses. Depression won't go away by itself, but in most cases, there is effective treatment available. These treatments can usually relieve the symptoms in just a few short weeks.
Untreated depression can disrupt work, family relations and social life.
In many cases it leads to alcohol or substance abuse in an attempt to numb emotional pain, it can even lead to suicide. Many people will have to deal with depression. Many more people will have to cope with someone else's depression, such as a friend, co-worker or family member. Depressed people need more than the usual understanding and support from their friends and family, but that may be difficult to give. The anger and lack of trust that a depressed person may show toward people close to them can be very disturbing to someone who is trying to help.