Depression is a common illness worldwide, with more than 300 million people affected. Depression is affecting roughly one in five women and one in ten men at some point in their lifetime.

Depression is different from usual mood swings and short-term emotional responses to challenges in everyday life.

Depression is an illness that involves not only the brain but the whole body, affecting the way a person eats, sleeps, feels about himself or herself, and thinks about things.

Depression is not a sign of personal weakness. Depression is an illness, that impacts all the areas of life like family, parenting, marriage, dating, making friends, work or studying.

In general, depression can affect anyone: men and women from all age groups, cultural backgrounds, in all professions, and at all stages of life. Even people whose lives seem carefree and contented can experience depression. Depression is more than a reaction to difficult life situations.