Depression is an illness -- not a weakness -- and if left untreated can turn into a life-threatening condition.

It is a serious but common disorder that assaults both the mind and the body simultaneously. Experts say depression usually does not disappear with time and can last for months or even years if left untreated -- so the traditional advice of "pull yourself together'' isn't much help.

It can disrupt relationships, disturb work performance and in, the worse cases, can result in suicide.

Experts believe there are two main causes -- physical imbalances or outside influences.

According to the American Psychological Association, an imbalance of chemicals in the brain or other biological/genetic factors contribute to some cases of depression.

But serious illnesses and major life stresses are also possible causes of depression.

However, experts admit that the illness can appear in anyone for no apparent reason.

It's estimated that depression, one of the most common psychiatric disorders, affects five to six percent of the general population at any one given time.

Even Winston Churchill, who led Britain through the darkest days of World War II and eventual victory -- suffered crippling spells of depression -- what he dubbed "black dog days.'' In an adult population of 40,000, which is close to the size of Bermuda's, experts believe that about 2,000 people suffer with the disorder at any given time -- many of them suffering in silence.

In a bid to reach some of these people, Community Health Services is taking to the streets to try to identify people who show high risk symptoms.

Glenn Caisey, programme manager for the Acute Community Mental Health Service, said a National Depression Screening Day will be held this Thursday to mark Mental Health Week.

The event is designed to provide locals with information about the signs, symptoms and treatment of depression.

The public will also have the chance to find out if they might be suffering from depression by taking a written screening test and talking with a mental health professional.

"We want to make people feel comfortable enough to use the resources that we have,'' Mr. Caisey explained. "And we are trying to get people to know the warning signs that they need to get help.'' "We had the same exercise last year and it was successful. People became aware of what we do and don't do and where the service is located.'' But participants should remember that by being screened they will not receive a diagnosis -- they will receive tools to help them detect the symptoms of depression.

And officials will be able to determine if an individual would benefit from a complete medical and/or psychiatric evaluation.

Thursday's free programme will be held at the Bank of N.T. Butterfield and Son Ltd. -- Reid Street entrance -- from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Depression responds well to treatment in more than 80 percent of the cases, but here in Bermuda there is still a stigma attached to seeking help for emotional or mental problems.

There are two main treatments used by professionals to treat depression -- medication and psychotherapy.

Mental health practioners often use anti-depressant drugs in the fight against depression. This approach may take several weeks to take effect, since it works by influencing the brain's chemistry.

And officials say that suffers need not worry about becoming addicted to anti-depressants.

The other principal treatment for depression is psychotherapy, which offers patients the chance to identify the factors that contribute to their illness and teaches them how to deal with those triggers.

But an individual's precise treatment plan will depend on factors like the severity of their symptoms and medical and family history.

From Winston Churchill to the neighbour next door, depression is a silent stalker that afflicts five to six percent of the general population at any given time. But for those who suffer from this disease -- reports Nicole Williams Smith -- there is hope and support through Bermuda's Acute Community Mental Health Service.

At A Glance Symptoms of clinical depression include: Depressed mood; diminished interest or pleasure in activities; a significant change in appetite or weight; sleep disturbances; restlessness or sluggishness; fatigue or loss of energy; lack of concentration or indecision; feelings of worthlessness or inappropriate guilt; and thoughts of death or suicide.

According to experts, a diagnosis of depression is likely if a person has either the first two symptoms and four of the remaining seven for two weeks or more and finds that their functioning is impaired.