With the information that deceased Germanwings pilot Andreas Lubitz had suffered from depression, perhaps employers need to focus on this aspect of employees' health. Sadly, depression is often misunderstood by society at large and this is why Lubitz had hidden this illness from his employers.
Society tends to look at depression as a "mental illness" which carries negative conotations such as insanity, weakness and excessive emotion. Granted, it is a condition of the mind, but it is like any illness as it is treatable with medication and therapy. It is caused by the imbalance of hormones in the brain but unfortunately, if a person declares that he/she is depressed, this often is used against the employee and may have an impact on one's career advancement. Hence, the reason why Lubitz hid the truth from his employers.
The most famous depressed personality is the painter Vincent Van Gogh. His famous paintings (usually a riot of vibrant colors) were a reflection of his tortured mind, which had led to him being institutionalised, and eventually, suicide.
The following is a good article on understanding depression. If you think you are depressed, seek professional help.
Remember, depression is not a sign of weakness; it is a sign that you have tried to be strong for far too long....
PS
Investigators have determined that Lubitz did inform his employers about his illness and there is now a raging debate about who knows what when. However, it still remains that depression is a much-misunderstood illness and society at large needs to be educated on how to recognize symptoms and seek help.
http://www.helpguide.org/articles/depression/depression-signs-and-symptoms.htm
