"Doctors and therapists came and went. I also tried many medications off and on throughout the years. Day after day, night after night, time just kept passing. Somewhere along the way, I lost weeks, months, and years."
Stephanie - Another Life

"I had been scared to admit I had this illness, and afraid that taking medication would somehow rob me of my ability to express myself creatively. It wasn't until earlier of this, my 39th year, that I finally asked my doctor for help."  
MIke, Today I know

"I thought long and hard about what I would say to the doctor - that I had the flu? Maybe a glandular fever... then it dawned on me. I'd had bouts of staying in bed before and feigned flu symptoms to explain it to people but now, the symptoms seemed obvious - I had depression. I had never admitted it before and I don't know why."
Kelly, It finally makes sense

"When my children were in high school I went back to get my masters degree in social work. I feel I was “saved for a purpose” and I have helped many people in return."
Jocelyn, My life goes on

"While I was in the psychiatric unit I met a wonderful woman who was also suffering from depression. We instantly were drawn to each other as friends and soul sisters. Often we call each other for the support we need to get through our days."
Crista, I was saved for a reason

"I know I’ve got to try to get better. There is too much keeping me here to do otherwise. I’m just a little nervous to move toward healing: What if getting better makes me lose myself, the self I’ve come to know? Even if it is the self I’ve come to dislike?"
Trish, Depression and Hurting

"Will I have struggles in the future? Sure I will. I am confident with the skills of coping with depression, medication, and therapy, I will be OK. I am still learning to live with depression, but I take it a day at a time. I look for small accomplishments in my everyday life and pat myself on the back for them. I now take time for myself, which I failed to do in my busy life as a mother."
Jeanne, Getting my life back

"On three different occasions I just thought I was fine and stopped taking my medication. On each occasion, after about a month, I would relapse with my depression. Each time it would get deeper and deeper and harder to get out of. I finally realized how much treatment really helped me."
Alice, Life has meaning now

"I would like to be a leader, strong and self-assured, but who do I lead? I would like to leave a positive mark on this world but how can I when I can’t even pull myself out of this depression?"
Sam, Thoughts from my safe spot

"My parents showed up at the dorm... I was seriously ill.  I had no color in my face, my eyes were sunken, I had stopped eating,, and I looked awful... They told me they didn't care if it had to be by force, they were taking me home with them because I was killing myself and they knew it. They were right, and I hated them then for it, but they really did save me."
Joan, Perseverance 

"I struggle daily with self-acceptance, trying to see myself as bright, pretty and kind. Often, I see the opposite - dumb, ugly and mean. The energy that I spend trying to feel "normal" is huge, but it is what I want more then anything in the world -- to be mentally healthy and emotionally stable."
Erin, Today I choose to live

"I have had a few more episodes. I haven’t had to be hospitalized again, mostly because I now have some skills that help to keep me just enough in control and I’ve found my support system."
Nicole, Two years with no problems

"I found out about a depression screening and decided to go. The questionnaire asked a lot of questions but the one that stands out the most to me is, "In the past 2 months, have you thought about death or suicide?" I thought about it and answered honestly: I thought about it every day."
Lianne, Winning the battle with depression

"I am a 53 year-old woman who is finally realizing that depression has been a part of my life since I was a child."
Myra, "I really have an illness."

"I began feeling isolated and alone. I could only be in a relationship for a short time before I would break it off. I didn't want to have to try and explain myself to anyone. How could I, when I didn't even really know what was going on?"
Aaron, My Life with Depression

"Depression affects more people than you would ever imagine. For me, feeling better came from being honest about my disease, reaching out, and realizing, with the help of counseling, that I'm not alone. I still have my bad days, but then I try to remember my children need me and know that I am doing my best by taking life day by day."
Brenda, Survival and Inspiration

"Having suffered from many years of major depressive episodes, two mental health therapists who left their practices while I was in their care and two medical doctors who misdiagnosed my problem, I am now in the hands of a wonderful psychiatrist... Professionals can help you, but only if you let them, and you MUST do your part. Work with them as they work FOR you -for YOUR future health and well-being. It is all there for you... just let yourself be shown the way."
Caroline, Relief from depression with help

"...people who have depression should not feel weak or like a failure. I have learned that depression in a disease, not something that you can control on your own!!"
Colette, Depression is Not a Weakness or a Failure

"Last month I attempted suicide because I was convinced that everyone was unhappy because of me, that I was ruining their lives. I have started counseling and am on antidepressants. I still think like that sometimes, but I have to remind myself that it doesn't matter what others think, as long as I do things to make myself happy in the long run." 
Tanya, working on feeling well.

"My prayer: Just give me strength to state my needs during the next session with my doctor...  Then give me strength to be compassionate to those less compassionate when they say, "Just get a grip, raise those boys and put your dreams, better life, college, writing, intimate partner aside." Help me show them that by seeking help, life's dreams can be fulfilled and my desire to give them my best self can be realized."
Trina, Working Through the Pressures Family and Life with a Mood Disorder.

"To any young people out there don't be afraid to think that you might have depression, get help. I was afraid to tell my dad and family even though I was to the brink of suicide."
Jack, Message of hope.

"Starting my senior year, I handled my classes with ease. I did not miss any assignments, and the teachers had a lot of confidence in me. Then the tragedy of September 11 happened, and I watched the people around me become as depressed as I had once been. When I tried to be positive, people looked at me as if I was crazy. Once again, my dysthymia took control."
Gina, A 17-year-old dealing with dysthymia and tragedy.

"Being a man, it was and still is hard not to try to hide all of my emotions, except for anger. I had crying bouts too numerous too list, and went to the depths of despair because of my refusal to seek help despite my knowledge that I needed it."
Larry, Alcoholism and Depression.

"Before I got help, I had been depressed for as long as I can remember. I'm only 18 years old, but even when I was a child, I can remember never feeling right. I never felt that I was worth anything."
Joe, Getting help, finding hope.