Ever feel like you're in an emotional black hole? You're not alone. The World Health Organization says an estimated 350 million people suffer from depression worldwide. And a man who knows more about black holes than almost anyone on the planet, has some words of encouragement for you.

Speaking at the Royal Institution in London, Professor Stephen Hawking told the crowd of 400 it is possible to escape from depression. Towards the end of his speech he said, "The message of this lecture is that black holes ain’t as black as they are painted. They are not the eternal prisons they were once thought. Things can get out of a black hole both on the outside and possibly to another universe. So if you feel you are in a black hole, don’t give up – there’s a way out."

Professor Hawking, who recently turned 74, has lived with motor neuron disease for almost 53 years. His daughter also spoke at the event, stating, "He has a very enviable wish to keep going and the ability to summon all his reserves, all his energy, all his mental focus and press them all into that goal of keeping going. But not just to keep going for the purposes of survival but to transcend this by producing extraordinary work – writing books, giving lectures, inspiring other people with neurodegenerative and other disabilities.”

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