Shine A Light Introduction: Letter From Jackie Frank

By 2020, depression will be the world's second biggest cause of disability after heart disease. In Australia alone, more than three million people experience depression and anxiety each year.

Depression is not a discriminatory ailment; no amount of money or privilege can keep you from its grasp—just ask women like Ricki-Lee Coulter and Charlotte Dawson, both of whom suffered from depression.

Sadly, attitudes surrounding mental illness can often make it sufferers feel judged, stigmatised, and very, very alone.

To help end to this silent suffering, marie claire brings you Shine A Light, an online forum where we can come together to show our support for sufferers of depression everywhere. By adding your story or message of support to our virtual landscape, you send a message to the world that depression is both frighteningly common and indiscriminate in who it touches. Please join me shedding light on this important issue.

Jackie Frank and Melissa Hoyer discuss the high profile people sharing their battles with depression.