This Morning's resident Dr Chris Steele has opened up on his battle with depression and said he is "living proof" that antidepressants work.
The Wallsend -born resident doctor revealed he had struggled with depression "a couple of times".
He explained that antidepressants increase certain levels of chemicals in the brain such as Serotonin and Noradrenaline, which have strong influences on your mood and how you feel.
Dr Chris admitted one day with depression is an "eternity" and that he was left with "dark thoughts" at his lowest point.
He said: "I’ve had depression a couple of times, quite bad. The problem is when you start the treatment you’re on a low ebb. Most of the treatment takes a few weeks to kick in.
"One day of depression is an eternity. and then another day and another day.
"The awful thing for me was you have sleep disturbance and can’t get off to sleep. You have early morning awakening. It's 4am, it's dark, you’re left with your mind that has dark thoughts. It's very difficult.
"The antidepressants start working. They didn’t suddenly bring me back."
Dr Chris explained that two thirds of patients respond to antidepressants, while 25% respond to a blank sugar tablet placebo.
Symptoms include a loss of interest in things that you used you enjoy.
Chris said: "Loss of interest in family, friends, hobbies, reading, work. I found a loss of interest in humour.
"I love Billy Connolly. Going through this spell of depression I didn't find him funny at all. You just don't care. No interest."
This Morning's resident doctor advised viewers to speak to someone and go and seek help.
Chris added: "If you’ve got some of those symptoms and getting them very day for a week go and see your GP.
"The earlier we intervene with education the quicker you get back to normal. Antidepressants do work. I’m living proof."
