There are a fair few awareness campaigns going on this month and next. October is the month dedicated to breast cancer awareness. November - moustache month - is dedicated towards raising awareness about prostate cancer.

But yesterday was another important day to raise awareness - World Mental Health Day.  In yesterday's edition, we published the story of a man who sank into depression in his mid thirties. He is now recovering, on medication and dealing with his circumstances every day.

Depression is a common illness and is a monster that lurks in the deep. It can affect anyone at any given time. Statistically one in four people will endure a mental health problem throughout their lives. Sometimes, there is a trigger... stress at work, loss of a loved one, financial issues... anything can set it off.  Normally, there is an underlying problem. Sometimes stress can set off a bout of depression and the sufferer can realise, months later, that it might be something to do with something long ago, like the passing of their parents, for example.

People who suffer from depression cannot just "get over it" or "snap out of it". Genes can also play a big role in whether it hits you or not. But the likelihood is that you, or someone very close to you, will suffer from mental illness. Sometimes when we look around, it might not be "moods" or "dark thoughts". It may well be that the person who looks "a bit off" might be suffering from depression, bipolar, schizophrenia or any other of the myriad illnesses that may take hold.

Sometimes, people can get by without treatment. Some are stronger than others. Some are afflicted less than others. But it is something which we must all look out for. People do not just switch off and disappear. They are well and truly ill and need help. Tragically, some people never speak up. Some people have loved ones who are not aware enough about these illnesses and do not realise that they need help. The important thing is to accept it and look for help. The process could be slow, but it will eventually get better.

Over the past few years, Malta has come on in leaps and bounds when it comes to helping those who have depression or mental illness. The stigma has been reduced as more and more people come forward and tell their stories.

But social stigma is still a problem, especially when it comes to men. Education and awareness campaigns need to be stepped up.  The best way to deal with mental health problems include a combination of therapy and when needed medication. People shouldn't be afraid to say that they need medication. People with diabetes need medication, people with mental problems sometimes, also need medication and in a number of cases would not need to take them permanently. Mental health is an issue, it is real and it does affect our society. We all need to be aware and we all need to be there to support those who need us.