World Mental Health Day on October 10, drew our focus to the global rise in incidence of depression.

One in four people will suffer from depression at some time in their lifetime. Those who are confident, successful and high achievers are all included in this.

We all fit on to the mental health spectrum, where mental wellbeing is the starting place we would all like to be. Yet how many of us have noticed at times a dry mouth, accelerated heartbeat or a feeling of unease? These are symptoms of mental distress, which would move us, for a short time along the spectrum towards ill health.

Depression, a blanket term which covers many symptoms and levels of illness, can bring great suffering, and we may find it in our church and work place and in our family.

Isolation is a common symptom felt internally by those who live with depression.

Accounts in the Bible of Jesus coming alongside others on the fringe of society, who were isolated tell of his compassion.

Zacchaeus, the woman at the well and those whose physical ailments excluded them from society, all received acceptance from him, and their lives changed.

Paul in Galatians 6v2 said: "Bear one another's burdens and therefore fulfil the law of Christ". In order to bear the burdens of others we need to come alongside them, accept and love them.

How do we who choose to follow Jesus, show our commitment to being like him in coming alongside those who live with depression?

Let us all seek to have an open, accepting and loving attitude and increase our understanding of those with mental health issues and their carers.

Lorraine Gibbard, St Thomas Church, Kendal