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The problem with the perception of depression is that there does not seem to be of a basic scientific understanding of the illness in the eyes of the public. This is my understanding and I would encourage people to google for more info. The understanding is that elevated cortisol levels actually cause destruction of the neurons in the hippocampus which is the emotional centre of the brain. Destruction if these calls causes the low mood or hopelessness as there are a lack of neural connections to process emotions. Anti depressants can over time hold off the effect of cortisol and the net effect is that over time neurons are generated in this part of the brain and the individual is able to recover. Therapies such as mindfulness that encourage an individual to focus on the moment and reduce anxiety levels are a non pharmaceutical method of management suitable for less severe levels of the illness to promote recovery. An individual should always check with a doctor who can assess the level of an illness.

Once there is a better understanding that this is a treatable and manageable physical illness employers be might able to accommodate people with the illness or have management techniques that are less likely to impact those vulnerable to the illness with little impact on their businesses.