Popular RTE Radio One presenter, John Murray, told his listeners this morning how depression had ‘decided to take up residence for a few months', leaving him unable to complete even the simplest of tasks.

Mr Murray returned to the airwaves after a six-month absence, during which time he battled the condition that currently affects some 280,000 people in Ireland.

He said that one minute he was happily presenting his show and enjoying life, then the next he was ‘gripped with dread and anxiety'.

"Depression doesn't just drop in, say a quick hello and then head for the hills, or at least my kind didn't. It decided to take up residence for a few months and boy, did it make its presence felt," he explained.

He said that he found the mornings particularly difficult because the day ahead ‘became something to endure rather than enjoy'.

Mr Murray thanked his family, friends and colleagues for all of the support they gave him in the last few months. He also described his listeners as a ‘secret weapon in my arsenal' and profoundly thanked everyone who wrote, emailed and called asking after him.

"Thank you for making the tougher days a little easier," he said.

While reluctant to offer advice because all cases of depression are different, he did urge people who are feeling depressed to share their thoughts and feelings and ‘don't suffer in silence'.

He also reminded sufferers not to be too hard on themselves.

Mr Murray also urged people to contact anyone they know who has depression. He said that while they may not reply immediately, if at all, they will appreciate it.

"I know I did," he added.

For more information on depression, see our Depression Clinic here