IT IS often perceived as a silent condition.

Unlike someone who has a visible disability, depression is one of the un-noticeable yet potentially life-changing conditions many people are coping with.

Described by the mental health charity MIND, as ‘a low mood that lasts for a long time, and affects your everyday life’, depression is more than feeling down; it can be debilitating and even life-threatening prompting some sufferers to contemplate taking their own lives.

According to the charity, one in six people in England report experiencing a common mental health problem (such as anxiety and depression) in any given week.

Depression can impact adversely on daily life. Neha Kaur recalls going through the daily routine of getting ready for work but, just as she was about to step out of the house, she found herself crying on the sofa.

“For years and years I had low mood but I put it down to the normal things women go through but in 2012 I more or less had a breakdown,” recalls Neha.

“I felt numb when I was getting ready for work. I had my bag on my shoulder and I just slumped back on the couch and cried and cried.

“I couldn’t go into work one day and it turned into two days and three days and so I went to the doctor.”

Neha was referred to the mental health team within the NHS where she was introduced to a therapy which not only changed her life, it led to a new career and brought her the opportunity to support people in similar circumstances.

After graduating with a degree in politics and media, Neha had a managerial role but through art therapy she discovered a creative flair she was keen to explore.

“Growing up I have always been creative,” she explains.

Art can provide a peaceful distraction for those who are dealing with depression - Neha explains how being creative took her mind off her depression and while it wasn’t her intention to turn her creativity into a business it evolved naturally.

The 41-year-old explains how she began creating name transfers and prints for friends through Facebook to keep herself occupied while her children, now aged 15 and 18, were at school.

When demand for her transfers grew, Neha set up Kaurture Designs.

Her inspiration for the fancy transfers which she designs on her laptop and creates with a special cutting machine came from her childhood.

“I couldn’t go into a souvenir shop in Blackpool and find my name on a key ring,” she says, referring to the difficulty of sourcing name-themed items for those with unusual names or those spelled differently.

She says creating personalised transfers for her customers gives them the flexibility to purchase their own gift, such as T-shirts, backpacks, blankets or cups, and personalise it with a name transfer for the recipient.

Neha retails her pretty creations through Facebook and the creative marketplace Etsy. Her transfers are particularly popular in America and she has also fulfilled requests in Europe and Australia.

“I get orders every single day, it has been really popular,” she says.

Friendships have also developed. Neha explains how connecting with customers she often tells them about her experience with depression and is keen to help those who may also be affected by the condition.

“Because I put my story out there I feel like they know me,” says Neha.

On September 29 Neha is involved in a workshop aiming to help people to achieve their goals and their dreams.

The workshop runs from 9.30am until noon at The Thornbury Centre, Leeds Old Road, Bradford.

“It is for anybody who wants to achieve anything in their life,” says Neha.

She explains the session aims to challenge the mind set, encouraging people to have confidence and make their dreams a reality by setting goals and using techniques Neha has learned through her own experience.

“It’s basically about realising what you want to do in life and taking action to make it happen,” adds Neha.