This wiki is to promote Depression Awareness an illness experienced by many but understood by few. Especially when its an illness as serious as if not more so than cancer.
Not sadness or grief, depression is a definable mental disorder with characteristic signs and symptoms. The lastest research shows that about twenty percent of the population experiences some form of depression at some time in their lives. And i think thats a gross underestimation.
Really bad depression, often masked by smiles and the appearance of normality is as common as hell. Its an awful and cruel illness.
I myself have suffered from for a number of years and although i have got gradually better it still wont relinquish its hold on me.

It took me a long time to realise Im not bad or evil or weak or whatever..the depression is seperate to me and any negativity is due to that, not me.

It still remains virtually imcomprehensible to those to have not experienced it in its extreme mode. Were people actually able to describe the sheer horror and phantasmorgoria of what goes on inside them they might actaully be able to depict some of the torment.

Many people experience sadness or a bad day at the office but that doesnt even come close to real depression.
Telling someone to 'snap out it' or 'be happy' is about as useful as a chocolate teapot when if they could snap out of it they would..its hardly like people enjoy being depressed.

Depression is a tricky subject at best especially when it comes to the causes of it.
There are events that can set it off but also so complex are the intermingled factors of abnormal chemistry, genetics and behavior its hard to know where to start.

Depression thrives on secrecy and i think that when you start to put words to the pain its the beginning of liberation.
Cognitive therapy can help..but there are various styles of it and not all of them may be suited to you.
This is going to sound like a contridiction...but only go to therapy if you feel strong enough to otherwise youre wasting money and the therapists time sitting there like a vegetable. Thats not to say youre not important, of course you are and im not trying to dissade you from going to therapy either.
Anti-depressants can help, even just to take the edge off and dull down the darkness and pain inside of you while your internal wiring is being redone.

For me one of the most important things is to listen to it and try to work out what its trying to tell me. This is not an easy path to take.

Anyone who is tempted to read self-help books may feel bewildered at the number of 'tips' and reassurances and '10 step plans' to amazing health all so glib.
But although theese may prove a a good read they are i find fraudulent and the most honest books will underscore the fact that serious depression does not dissapear overnight or on a ten step plan or by taking a few extra vitamins. Depressed people need a thorough assessment of their depression, and a heck of a lot of emotional support.
Never underestimate how much support you can be to a depressed person.Or how much harm you can do.
Dos and Donts

In my darkest hours all i could do was lie in bed, my body paralysed and my mind in anguish. Sometimes i could listen to music and my most favourite bands now are the ones i could just bear to listen to then.
Some of the songs have literaly saved my life.

I dont agree with suicide.Unfotunately for some the pain is just so intense they see no other option than to 'throw the baby out with the bathwater'.

Depressions gifts are very dark but precious. It hurts but it cant harm you..only what you do about it can.

"Our universe is not made up of only beautiful trees but also stunted ones, yet each tree is important"

Depression Awareness Poetry
Some of my favourite poems that have helped me through.

Depression Awareness Books
Some of my favourite books on, about or relating to depression.

Coming Soon! My Own Poetry.
I hope i can offer others hope in their darkest hours.The Lore of Raiff

My New Rant! Depression Awareness Ranting Voice your opinion!!!!

One last thing...go read my diary maybe do the poll if i have one

New wiki Perspective and Depression Diary