QUICK FACTS:

■ Depression is characterised by persistent sadness or anxiety, restlessness, lower energy and increased fatigue, as well as feeling helpless and powerless to change your situation.

■ According to the American Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence, people who are diagnosed with a chronic illness such as diabetes, cancer and heart disease are three times more likely to be diagnosed with depression than people without these illnesses.

■ If left unaddressed, research has shown that additional complications could arise as a result of depression being comorbid with diabetes.