The father of the late Brad Milne is speaking out against the illness that tore his son apart for more than a decade, wanting everyone to know depression is not something to be ashamed of.

Colin Milne was shocked to learn most of the 200 people who attended a recent memorial event in Brad's name knew someone who had committed suicide as a result of depression.

Father Colin Milne wants to raise as much awareness of depression as possible.

The Brad Milne Memorial Charity Event saw a sell-out crowd pack The Crown and Badger in July to hear New Zealand comedian Mike King speak.

But Mike's topic of the night was no laughing matter, and Colin says what followed was a 'truly inspiring” address.

'He altered many people's opinions around depression and suicide; he told us that he has not touched drugs or alcohol for seven years now.”

Mike admitted to previously suffering depression and using drugs and alcohol to relieve the feelings.

He now fronts a trust, Target Zero, with the aim of reducing the country's suicide rate to none.

'The scary thing was during his address he asked how many people had had a family member or someone they knew well commit suicide, and the majority of the crowd raised their hands,” says Colin.

Brad died three years ago, age 30, after battling depression since his late teens.

Suffering guilt and grief ever since, Colin is on a mission to defeat the disease through awareness.

'The thing to me, when I was at school, you associated someone with a mental illness with being crazy or mad. But with depression, they're not either of those; they're down in the dumps. It's a killer of self-esteem.

'People suffering depression referred to as a mental illness are not mad. Indeed, they should be admired in the fact that most appear to the outsider to lead normal lives, when they are in fact battling an illness that can be crippling to their confidence and self-esteem.”

Colin's annual event raised a record $7220 for The Acorn Foundation.

Bay of Plenty District Health Board mental health and addiction services business leader Eileen Hughe says about 20 per cent of New Zealanders will experience depression for different reasons during their lifetime.

She says the most serious consequence of untreated depression is self-harm, or harming another person.

'More common consequences are that important relationships are damaged. A person with depression might not be able to work, and consequently they will have a reduction in their standard of living.”

She encourages anyone concerned to see their GP, as a large amount of help is available.

'It is okay to ask for help and to access whatever support you need.”

Anyone seeking help or advice can contact below:

• Lifeline - 0800 543 354
• Depression Helpline - 0800 111 757
• Suicide Crisis Helpline (aimed at those in distress, or those who are concerned about the wellbeing of someone else) - 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO)
• Healthline - 0800 611 116
• Samaritans - 0800 726 666 (for callers from the Lower North Island, Christchurch and West Coast) or (04) 473 9739 (for callers from all other regions)