October marks Depression Awareness Month, and medical professionals hope to shed light on the under-diagnosed illness.

An estimated 16 million American adults have experienced a depressive episode in the past year, according to the National Alliance of Mental Illness. 

"Depression is something that unfortunately goes undetected or unreported, and that's what keeps people from getting the help that they could get," says Dr. Monica Broderick.

Kings County peer counselor Anne Tallegrand was diagnosed with depression five years ago.  She says identifying the problem was like a weight had been lifted. 

"I was happy because they actually put a name to what I couldn't name," says Tallegrand.

She now counsels others, using her own diagnosis to inspire people to take action and seek treatment, and know support exists. 

"You're not alone, there is a light at the end of the tunnel," says Tallergrand.  "And it doesn't have to be the end of anything, but it can be the beginning of something more beautiful."