But you look OK...

There are a number of reasons as to why depression is hard for others to spot. The first is that the symptoms aren't immediately obvious.

Here are some of the symptoms I have experienced during my illness:

• sickness and diarohhea
• aches and pains
• lack of energy
• stomach cramps
• headaches
• nausea

You wouldn't think 'ah, yes he must be depressed' if I complained to you of any of the above. And neither would a doctor, at first.
All of the above are experienced by most people at some point and can often be related to a whole number of relativley minor and/or short term medical conditions such as flu, stomach viruses, chronic fatigue syndrome, appendicitis etc...

In my experience I have found these physical symptoms to be quite dispiriting. You know that you don't feel well and you try to let it pass, but it doesn't. The symptoms remain and you start to think, ; well, is this my depression rearing it's ugly head again or not?'. An inner turmoil begins inside my head which only makes the situation worse. You feel as if you don't want to complain about what might be nothing, you worry (that W word again) that you are a hypochrondiac or something.

Indeed, each time I have experienced one of the above symptoms I have not put it down to my mental state immediately. I try to convicne myself that it is a common ailment and that it will soon pass on by. I have found that a few days after the physical symptoms make themselves known, my heart starts to race and thoughts about my failure in life increase to the point where I realise that I need further treatment for my depression.

Another reason as to why depression is hard to spot is the ability of the sufferer to hide their true feelings. I can most of the time appear as a relatively happy, if mildly stressed, individual. I often laugh and joke with my family, friends and colleagues but at the same time as I am smiling on the outside, the reality can be starkly different. Inside I can be going through hell, wondering why I feel this way and what has happened in my life to bring me to this point.

In June 2012 I decided to open up about my depression and told my employers and colleagues. A common reaction was ' I had no idea...'

Those of who suffer from depression try to deny it to ourselves too often, and as a result we try harder to maintain a positive, happy image to those around us. Whether it is because we are scared of feeling that way, of letting others know we feel that way or having to confront the reasons we feel that way I am not sure. It is probably a bit of everything.

If you are worried about someone suffering from depression, in my experience (and of course, I am not a doctor) I would look out for signs of the person withdrawing socially - not going out as much, not enjoying activities they used to etc... It is not about how they look or even act but about what they do, or more importantly, don't do.