1. Depression is an illness.
Depression is an illness in the same way that diabetes and high blood pressure are illnesses. It's not just being "blue" or feeling sorry for yourself.

2. Depression is treatable.
Depression can be successfully treated in over 80% of people who suffer from it. Advances in treatment are being made that help the remaining 20%, those with what is usually called "treatment-resistant depression."

3. Depression is not a character flaw or weakness.
The belief that depression...