Dave,

I used to be in the camp that felt that depression was all in the mind (duh...), that there was no reason for it, and that taking pills for it was a weakness and a crutch.

Then (and you know about all this if you read any of my forum posts from about 8-9 months ago) my wife went through a severe case of post partem depression. I didn't understand what was going on; I didn't have the foggiest idea how to deal with it; I was at a total loss. I had never experienced this kind of problem myself, and I just didn't realize how bad it could be. I had people on both ends of the spectrum telling me opposite things. Finally, things came to a head and we got help.

I now realize that depression and other emotional disorders are a very real thing. As far as I know, I've never experienced it and from what I've seen I hope I never do. But I'll never again look at someone who takes medication for their mind and think of them as weak. Rather, I'll think of them as strong, for recognizing a problem and doing whatever it takes to fix it; for daring to live their life in the face of such odds.

And even though I know you don't believe in prayer...I will be praying for you in earnest...as I'm sure will be many of your friends here.

Grishny