> I was originally going to ask how many people here fall into that category, or have in the past, but the more I think about it, it seems like it's almost the *norm* at Rinkworks. Really, is it that prevalent? Am I the only person here who hasn't ever had such a problem?

I guess that I'll answer what you were originally going to ask. I (as none of you know, but all who read this will know now) suffer from depression and possibly slightly suffer from an eating disorder (I haven't been tested for the eating disorder part). It began a little more than 3 years ago when I tried on several (a numerous amount) occasions to kill myself. I eventually ended up pushing all my friends away from me. It was one of the worst times of my life. I really hated it because once everyone found out that I was suffering from depression, everyone acted different around me and treated me different. They always seemed to try to connect everything I did to my depression. Every once in a while, it'll kick in. Sometimes it seems like I'm going through the same exact thing all over again, but I try to prevent myself from going there. I'll try to keep myself from having to go to the doctor or counciling again.

I guess after all my ranting and raving about how it sucks to be me and why depression sucks so badly, there is something that I'm trying to say. Well, actually a few things.

#1, if you think someone might be in the early stages of depression (or just going through a bad time), let them know that you're there for them and then back off. I know that my depression has really been kicking in lately, and it's great to know my friends are there for me no matter what. But it makes it even worse when they let me know a little too much. Or when they're constantly asking me how I'm doing (in reference to my depression). I just want to know that you're there for me. But, please, if I say to leave me alone, don't continuously pressure me. Just do as I say.

#2, try to make them feel better...such as laughter. Personally, I think that it's great when my friends do it. But if I don't start laughing, don't continue to do so.

#3, if they come to you to talk, listen to them and don't be so quick to judge. Just try to listen and understand where they are coming from. And what ever you do, don't act differently around them. Try and act like they don't have a problem.

#4, try to help them as much as possible to what they want. If they tell you (for example) that they don't want to talk to someone specfic, find out why. Maybe in there past, they were hurt by someone in a certain profession and don't trust anyone in that profession anymore.

As a short version of what I said, just be there for people that you love who are going through something like depression. Because in the long run, they'll remember it. I still remember the person who helped me the most through my first expirence of depression. I personally think that one of the best medicines out there for someone with a "mental illness" is friends. Drugs do help, but it's so much easier to go through with friends.

~x~Band-"Now I realize that all my ranting and raving actually makes little to no sense."Aids~x~