AFTER the recent death of All Saints actor Mark Priestley, I felt compelled to write and give my view on the subject of depression and the seriousness of it all.

We ask why such a young man would take his own life and how it could have been prevented.

I feel that there is still some consensus among the community that depression is just all in the mind and that one should just get over their issues.

It’s not that simple.

Depression affects you mentally, emotionally and physically.

When left untreated it prevents you from living your life to the fullest, from achieving your dreams, feeling love and seeing that light at the end of the tunnel.

It is a lonely place.

There is so much pressure on us to achieve financially, to look good, to be the perfect partner or employee, or simply just survive in this sometimes crazy money-driven world.

Kids being bullied at school, women in violent relationships, men being financially driven to the wall and the list goes on, there is no wonder so many people suffer with depression.

Having had depression throughout most of my own life, I know only too well the isolation one feels going through a depressive phase, the loneliness and the emptiness, the overwhelming feeling that to end it all is the only way out.

But one can survive, the journey is a difficult one, there is no question.

But there is hope.

Depression does not have to rule your life.

Help is available.

I view depression as any other illness or addiction, and the first step is admitting that there is a problem and seeking professional help.

Talking to your best friend is a start, but talking to a qualified GP is the first step to preventing this illness from progressing.

Depression is not a sign of weakness, it is a part of being human and it can be treated.

Mark’s life has come to a sad end and he will be missed, and it goes to show that even the most successful and popular people have difficulties in their lives, we are all human.

— MARTINA RATNIEKS,

Albury