Proof depression battle can be won

Areport this week suggested a quarter of young girls have suffered from depression.

It is a truly worrying statistic.

For many, it seems the pressures of modern life are simply unbearable.

A generation ago, problems of bullying – so often the root cause of mental health issues among young people – could fairly be said to have ceased at the school gates.

Now – with social media and the need to portray a certain image omnipresent – it seems there is no hiding place for troubled children.

Thankfully, there is help available.

Today we tell Ben Lawrie’s story. While incredibly personal, it is one many sufferers will readily relate to.

The St Andrews University student, also an Angus councillor, has bravely spoken about his battle with depression which was so severe it almost led to him taking his own life.

He knows all about feeling overwhelmed but is keen to help those psychologically scarred by mental health issues.

Mr Lawrie’s message is a simple but profound one: “You are not alone.”

Indeed, if there is any comfort to be taken from recent statistics, it is that they illustrate exactly that point. Depression can be appallingly isolating. Realising you are not alone could be a crucial first step in getting the help required.