Man who grew up with depression walks for awareness

By Staff Writer

A Pennsylvania man has battled depression since he was in elementary school, and he's hoping to raise awareness about the devastating disease.

According to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Bob Cross, who is 47 years old, said that he developed the mental illness in grade school and it plagued him for many years to follow. He said that depression contributed to the end of his marriage and it cost him 10 years of quality time spent with his kids.

Cross told the news source that he lost interest in some of his favorite activities and, on the weekends, would isolate himself in his bedroom where he would not reenter society until Monday.

"It's everywhere, but nobody wants to talk about it," he told the news provider

Cross sought therapy for his depression and his condition has since improved. He is one of many advocates who recently took part in the Walk to Washington, an event to raise awareness for the disease. The 835-mile, 50-day trek, which started in St. Louis, came to a finish on Oct. 7 in Washington, D.C.

PBS reports that approximately 4 percent of adolescents develop serious depression each year.