It’s not always obvious when someone is doing it tough. 

Someone who seemed fine yesterday may be in a horrible place today.

Depression isn’t the same for everyone. 

We can’t really know someone else’s situation, even if we’ve experienced something similar, so it’s important to leave our minds wide open and the judgements at the door.

Depression can hit even when things in life are going pretty well. 

There’s no point providing someone experiencing depression with a list of reasons why they SHOULD be feeling ok, and it makes as much sense to tell a diabetic to snap out of their illness as it does to suggest a depression sufferer should snap out of it.

Depression is NOT a weakness. It’s not true that people who suffer from depression aren’t strong. Some of the strongest people struggle with depression. 

They can handle incredible loads, work as hard or harder than others around them and can be there for you as much as anyone else. 

They aren’t necessarily fragile and can be the most reliable friend in your life. Many of the most creative people on earth suffer from depression.

And yet, traditionally, society grouped depression under the category of a personal failing. 

One day in 365 doesn’t get the job done. We get so lost in our own circumstances we sometimes forget to check how those around us are doing. So check a bit more, judge a bit less and help where you can.

This is an edited extract of Fairfax reporter Chris Gordon’s opinion piece.

Read the full version at www.batemansbaypost.com.au