It is clearly a common problem. Many adults will at some time experience symptoms of depression, and although in its mildest forms, this will not prevent the leading of a normal life, the most severe depression can be life threatening, with thoughts of death and suicide.

It seems likely that no single factor can explain the occurrence of depression, but rather that it results from an interaction between many different factors. Its onset and course have been shown to relate to a variety of biological, historical, environmental and psychological factors. Some people seem to be more vulnerable than others in becoming depressed. This may be because of body make up (including body chemistry), or because of early life experiences and family influences. Genetics may play an important part in depression and it can run in families for generations.

Financial problems, relationship break ups or the death of a loved one can also bring on depression. Some people may be more inclined to look on the gloomy side of life in general, and this may make them more likely to develop depression.  Serious physical conditions also contribute, partly because of the physical weakness and stress they bring on. Depression can make medical conditions worse since it weakens the immune system and can make pain harder to bear.

Whatever its cause, depression is not just a state of mind, but is caused by a chemical change that affects how the brain functions. A normally functioning brain is a giant messaging system that controls everything from heartbeat to the ability to walk and talk to emotions, and is made up of billions of nerve cells called neurons. These neurons send and receive messages from the rest of the body, using brain chemicals called neurotransmitters which are, in varying amounts, responsible for our emotional state.

Depression happens when these chemical messages fail to travel correctly between brain cells, disrupting communication.

Symptoms are many and varied, and affect emotions and feelings e.g. sadness, guilt, despair, and loss of interest. Thought patterns are affected also, with loss of confidence, negative thinking, poor concentration and suicidal contemplation to the fore. Physical and bodily symptoms can appear, such as tiredness, sleep problems (especially early waking or interrupted sleep), and changes in appetite, eating and weight.

Of course not everyone who is depressed has all of these symptoms, and even in the absence of serious depression, it is usual to feel some of these things from time to time. This is particularly true if there has been a recent loss, especially if someone close has died. When these symptoms are part of a normal reaction to loss or distressing events, they should resolve with time. If the symptoms are very strong however, and continue for some time, then a depression may have developed. Women are almost twice as likely to become depressed as men, which may be due to partly to hormonal changes brought on by factors such as puberty, menstruation, pregnancy and menopause. Elderly people are also vulnerable as the loss of loved ones, perhaps adjusting to living alone or physical illness and reduced activity take their toll.

Although their risk for depression is lower, men are more likely to go undiagnosed, and are less likely to seek help. Given this, it would follow then, that they are an extremely difficult group to engage. They may show typical symptoms of depression, but are more likely to be angry and hostile or to mask their condition with alcohol or drug abuse. Suicide is an especially serious risk for men, particularly young men with depression, who are four times more likely than women to kill themselves, hence the need for this forward thinking initiative.