Feeling down every so often is a normal part of life. However, when you’re gripped by an unrelenting sadness or hopelessness that keeps you from going about your usual routine, it’s time to start paying attention, according to the National Institute of Mental Health.

Adam Fackler, senior, knows the grip of depression all too well.

“I was having a really crappy week and decided, well, I’m not going to live anymore,” Fackler, said. Rather than make such a rash decision, he chose to go see his counselor. “Something in the back of my head was telling me, ‘No, go to your counselor right now.’”

Ever since that day in 2012, Fackler has been receiving help from his therapists and psychiatrists. Fackler was put into inpatient treatment at Streamwood Hospital for a short amount of time and started walking down the path of recovery.

Depression is a chemical imbalance in the brain. When you have depression, it interferes with daily life and causes pain for both you and those who care about you, says the National Institute of Mental Health. Depression is a common but serious illness of the brain.

At any point in time, three to five percent of people suffer from major depression, and the lifetime risk of suffering depression is 17 percent, according to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America. Fackler decided to come forward with his story of recovery after being diagnosed with anxiety and depression so he can spread awareness for others and reassure people with depression that there is hope.

“Even though I’m getting a lot better than I was, [the fear of not ever fully recovering] is always there,” Fackler said.

Fackler says that he still struggles with depression and anxiety to this day. He has had to work with himself as well as the resources given to him to make progress.

“Fear is the strongest emotion that people have. Healthy amounts of fear help us to survive as the human race, but some [people] have too much of that protective emotion,” said Toni Rey, a licensed clinical social worker of Lake Zurich.

Many people who experience depression are afraid of reaching out and asking for help.

“You do not have to do this alone. There is no one right way [to receive help]. Medication, when it is necessary, along with talk therapy, is the best treatment we know of right now for dealing  with depression and anxiety,” Rey said.

As Fackler gains more experience with handling his depression, he sees teaching others about this illness as part of his own treatment.

“You’re not alone. Whether you know it or not, everyone knows someone with depression,” Fackler said. “A lot of times [people] just feel like they are completely alone with [their depression], even though they’re really not.”