So many people suffer from depression or its symptoms to varying degrees these days... that it is fast becoming a common addition to modern life as we know it. Many who are actually incubating this 21st century 'affliction' are sadly unaware that they are in fact suffering from a form of Depression: ...labeling their continual and unexplained changes of character as simply 'stress' or just 'tiredness'. Exclaiming "I just dont know whats wrong with me lately.." or " Im usually so in control...I can't explain why I feel this way..." Sometimes it actually is...sometimes it is not. But not many people actually understand or take the time to seek out 'what' it really is that is getting them 'down or confused' sometimes to the point where they are actually loosing the control of their life or its normally 'simple' facets. They are loathe to admit they are in fact suffering. This can be dangerous, for if unattended, these mood swings we are feeling (more than is considered normal...whatever that is?) can and do sometimes rapidly turn into full scale nervous breakdowns. Sometimes emotionally and logically crippling a life or in some cases...a whole family or a relationship. To suffer depression, does not mean that one is incapable, nor an idiot. They are not to be considered weak if this occurs in their life. For the depression is simply the loud and final 'signal' of an emotional overload somewhere in the mind. Their thinking can become confused or muddled to others (and sometimes themselves) and can be totally unreasonable to those around them, yet to them? It makes perfect sense. Others can become 'incoherent' or simply nonsensical to all they try to communicate with. And yet again, they make perfect sense to themself. Others totally 'loose it' both to themself and to those around them. they are usually hospitalised...or institutionalised. Regardless of how it presents, it is a very real dis-ease. And one that DOES NOT discriminate. I have suffered this dis-ease three times in my life to date. To the point where I actually attempted suicide and was indeed minutes from succeeding in reaching the longed for state of escape (death). I am neither ashamed nor am I fearful of what another may think or determine of me due to this. I AM a survivor! I AM proud I went through what I did. It HAS in fact made me stronger. This is why I have created this section and why I will now share my personal story (click 'My Story' below) with all who wish to read it....and perhaps identify with or learn more about the many faces of depression by doing so. Those Members who wish to share their own 'road to recovery' from depression, be it ongoing or not, are so very welcomed to share their own story here (Click 'Journal' below). In doing so? You may just help another claim back their life.   © Silver Queen 2004 - 2008. All Rights Reserved