Along the lines of helping people to understand mental illness, I received the following question on my relapse post. I wondered what Beyond Blue readers have to say about how to approach a friend who is struggling with depression.

Thank you for the insight you have given me about this condition. My friend has all of the symptoms you describe and is the only one unaware of it, which is causing her to lose friends and family. Until I read all these messages I had no idea how painful this must be for her. I am sorry you have to go through such sad times in order for others to be helped, but in this case, that is exactly what is happening. I think we all believe our feelings are unique until we read about others going through the same thing. I will continue to read your messages and pray God will give you peace in the fact that you are not alone and others are benefiting by your honest assessment of what is happening. I wish I knew how to approach my friend. Does anyone have a suggestion?