SPRINGFIELD, Mo. -- Many are remembering the life of Robin Williams. The actor and comedian battled severe depression. 

Recognizing if someone is battling depression may be difficult.  Take Robin Williams for example, an entertainer and comedian who made thousands laugh.  Docter of Psychology with the Forest Institute, Jennifer Baker, says there are warning signs.

"They were very good at putting on a facade that said, 'I'm fine.  In fact they were even quite funny," says Dr. Baker.  These describe some of Dr. Baker's clients that actually suffer from depression.  "Clients who other people would've never known were depressed who were suicidal," adds Dr. Baker.

So how can we recognize if a friend or loved one suffers from depression? 

"When you're depressed your mood is deflated rather than elevated," says Baker.

Look for sadness, gloom, feelings of hopelessness. 

"A loss of interest of things they once were interested in," adds Dr. Baker. 

Changes in the normal routine is what we're looking at. 

"I think we really want to get concerned when we see people giving away prized possessions," says Baker.

We can use social media to make us aware of friends or loved ones suffering from depression. 

"Someone for instance was suffering from very serious post-partum depression.  Because of her comment on Facebook, other friends became aware of it and saw that she got the help that she needed," explains Dr. Baker.

We asked for your comments on our Facebook page. 

Megan Railey says, "I've suffered from clinical depression since I was very young. There's so much more to it than just feeling sad that many people who've never dealt with it don't understand." 

Josh Donelson says, "I've been battling for almost 3 years. I'm not on pills as I have no insurance, but I try my best to cope, day to day. I'm still here and have to tell myself to just keep going."

Dr. Baker says not everyone needs medication, and medication alone has not shown to be very effective.

"Because you're not changing some of the things in your life, some of the ways you think about things. Cognitive behavioral therapy has shown to be very effective for depression," explains Dr. Baker.

We all have times when we're feeling down.  But Dr. Baker says when the symptoms persist for at least two weeks, it may be a sign of depression.  She says a combination of talk therapy and medication may be the best treatment for serious depression.