More than 100 people have been admitted to the Mid Atlantic Wellness Institute for depression in the last five years.With the number expected to increase, the institution yesterday announced it would begin training as part of a mental health first aid programme.Much the same as medical first aid, mental health first aid is designed to teach people how to help a person having a mental health problem before medical treatment can be obtained, explained Mid Atlantic Wellness head Patrice Dill.“Over the last five years, MWI has recorded over a 109 admissions for depression. Due to Bermuda’s economic status, it is likely that this number will increase.”She said the aims of the programme are to “preserve life when a person may be a danger to themselves, prevent further harm and becoming more serious, promote recovery and good mental health and provide comfort to persons in need.”The initiative was announced yesterday at a ceremony to launch Mental Health Week.Chief of Psychiatry at MWI, Chantelle Simmons said depression affects people of all ages in Bermuda.“It is important to differentiate between normal sadness and clinical depression,” she said. “Each of us experiences sadness at one time or another, however true depression is a clinical issue.“It is not the fault of the person experiencing depression and no one should be embarrassed or ashamed to experience symptoms.“This is not a sign of personal weakness. It is, however, extremely important to seek help. Without intervention, symptoms can last for several months or even a number of years.”Depression often affects a person’s ability to carry out their normal daily routine and activities.“Individuals with depression may appear to have a loss of interest in activities they would normally enjoy and experience concurrent physical concerns.“For example, one can have decreased energy, problems sleeping and/or eating, and feelings of low self-esteem,” said Dr Simmons.Added Ms Dill: “But people who are suffering from depression can recover. Our message is that with the ‘right help there is hope’”This month, Body & Soul will highlight some of the self-help methods that can help you both avoid and overcome depression.(See Body & Soul on Page 10 to learn the impact friends and family can make.)