You can't tell from the outside whether someone is depressed or not. There are many reasons why someone may become depressed, but fortunately there are many things you can do to address it. It's not easy to live with depression and it's even harder when you know very little about it. Here are a few things everyone should know about depression.

It is a real disease

Depression is seen as a 'disease'. When you think you have symptoms that are similar to those of depression, it is advisable to visit a doctor. Your doctor can possibly refer you to a specialist, so you take a fresh look at your future.

Anyone can become depressed

Thick, thin, short, tall, male, female, rich or poor. Anyone can get depression and worldwide there are more than 350 million people who suffer from symptoms related to depression. Therefore, it's likely that you know someone who is depressed.

You have the feeling of being completely alone when you're depressed

When you are depressed it does not matter how many friends and family members you have. Everyone is trying to cheer you up and give you advice, but it seems like no one really understands what you are going through. It makes you feel terribly alone and you often have a tendency to withdraw from social activities.

When a person with depression has a good day, this does not mean that their depression is over

A person with depression is a professional when it comes to putting on a ''game face''. Of course you have times when you're actually enjoying yourself (like during the holidays), but at moments where you socialize, you tend to put a mask on. You count down the minutes until you can go home so you can finally take off the mask.

Depression can cause physical symptoms

Not only will you find yourself in a constant fight with your mind, but depression can also cause physical symptoms. For example, you may experience sleep problems, headaches, back pain and fatigue. A doctor can give you the best advice on possible treatment and can prescribe medication if necessary.

Depression can cause eating disorders

Because depression can change your eating patterns, you are at risk of developing an eating disorder. Some people experience an loss of appetite while others tend to overeat.

Daily tasks such as maintaining your home might be too much for you

Ideally you'd lay in bed all day. By sleeping you'd briefly escape the feelings that you have to live with during the day. This means that the dishes of the past week are still waiting for you in the sink. Did you know that you feel a lot better when you clean up anyway? Use what little energy you have left because tidying up your place will bring you peace.

Do you suffer from depression? What symptoms do you have endure?