This Video About Depression Will Give You Goosebumps

If it's not you who has been dealt the crippling card of depression, then there’s an extremely high chance that one of your nearest and dearest is suffering from the debilitating disease.

In Australia it’s estimated that 45% of people will experience a mental health condition in their lifetime.

But, depression doesn’t just affect those who directly experience it. It can be heartbreaking to watch a loved one suffer from their sadness but refuse to talk about it, or be helped.

Which is why 27 year old Doug’s video about his ten year battle with the disease is so impactful. It’s a step towards removing the stigma associated with depression and helping sufferers feel comfortable talking about their experience.

"Over the past ten years I've been living two different lives," he begins the video with. "The life that my family, my friends, my colleagues and my teammates see - but then there's the life that I see, that I live and that I feel."

While opening up about his battle, Doug says that those who struggle with their mental health need to identify that there is a problem before any leeway can be made.

“The first step to solving the problem is admitting there is one. So how can we expect to find an answer when we’re so afraid of the question?”

“Depression is so well documented yet it’s just not discussed…. We all need to talk about depression and open up. “

As Doug points out, if someone is physically injured people will rush to help, yet those internally struggling feel like their battle isn’t valid.

"Having depression isn't like breaking an arm, where you go to hospital and you get it fixed, or like chicken pox where you face it once and you never face it again. It's a lot deeper than that."

The brave 27 year old breaks down in tears throughout the video, showing just how hard it is for him to talk about his internal struggle for the past decade.

His video has gone viral, with over 41,000 views and 20,000 shares in just five days. These overwhelming stats prove just how many people identify with Doug’s experience with depression and can relate to it.

His heartfelt plea for depression sufferers to be more open about what their experience proves that it’s ok not to be ok. The overwhelmingly positive response the video has received also proves that it’s ok to talk about what those suffering from it are going through.

So, if you’re struggling with depression, or know someone who is, reach out. If you feel as though you can’t talk about it to a loved one, try contacting beyond blue.

Beyond Blue: 1300 224 636 or visit the website.