I agree it's a good thing we're becoming more open in discussing the problems of depression. Like some others here though I am also concerned that it's the pharmaceutical companies who are the big winners in all of this.

It's not well recognized, but I have learnt through personal experience that depression is often the result of an underlying metabolic disorder.

I had always suffered from depression, anxiety and mood swings and in midlife found myself on the verge of mental collapse. After lots of research and testing I eventually learnt I had severely fluctuating blood sugar levels and an underactive thyroid. I now control these conditions through very specific dietary and nutritional measures, plus thyroxine for the thyroid, and have overcome the problems of depression and anxiety as a result.

Drug and behavioural therapies are not the only solutions for dealing with depression. Hopefully, in coming years we will gradually see an increasing awareness that nutritional therapy is a valid and powerful option.

I agree with some of grn's comments. I remember reading a book on a well-off professional's experience with depression. It's called 'Malignant Sadness' (can't remember the author's name). My experience is that it also could be described as 'Malignant Selfishness' - because you do turn inwards and become unhealthily self-obsessed. And it is often really hard to break out of that. Especially if you turn to drugs and alcohol which make the problem worse.

I think depression is becoming more widely recognised. I doubt if there is a recent epidemic. Churchill and Lincoln were clearly affected and probably others long before them. Anyhow, like I said, there is no panacea and different treatments work for different people. Depressed people need to explore all options and not latch onto a "quick fix".

As someone who has probably experienced mild symptoms of this problem for most of his working life I am pleased to find that there are many others who row the same boat.

While the profile of the paper's writer has brought media attention (albeit briefly) to the issue, I wonder just what the average person's conception must be of "the dog", as so many stresses now interact on us today that it probably seems just like another TV commercial - look, (maybe) listen and move on. I wish I could!

After giving birth in 1973 I became depressed the first time in my life
on my 31st birthday. Suicidal attempts landed me more times to hospitals more than I can remember.
There are no treatments under the sun of Australia that was denied of me. I was treated by the best and the worst psychiatrists. One of them prescribed me 36 tablets per day from which eight was largactyl.
The last treatment I was involved with was electro-magnetic shock treatment, at the Alfred Hospitals that resulted in convulsing on the way back to home on the train after each treatment.
After 34 years of suffering from the side effects of treatments and depression itself, two years ago I gave up all treatment. I rejected by my own children, society and my intelligence to solve the unsolvable.
Locked in the house without hope I earnestly pray for death.

After giving birth in 1973 I became depressed the first time in my life,
on my 31st birthday. Suicidal attempts landed me to hospitals more than I can remember.
There are no treatments under the sun of Australia that was denied of me. I was treated by the best and the worst psychiatrists. One of them prescribed me 36 tablets per day from which eight was sleeping tablets. The last treatment; electro-magnetic shocks at the Alfred Hospitals resulted in convulsing on the way back to home on the train after each treatment. I was told that it was triggered by my emotions to the treatment.
After 34 years of suffering from the side effects of treatments and depression itself, two years ago I gave up all treatment. Rejected by my own children, society and my intelligence to solve the unsolvable I
am locked in the house without hope I earnestly praying for death.

Baba,your story brought me undone. Thanks to this forum you are
able to Speak. My mother's story is similar to yours, except she
yielded to having a lobotomy at 53 (in 1965) which killed her.
My children have rejected me also, after I struggled for years
with depression. One feels so alone. I send you love and empathy
dear Baba. Why don't you join Exit International (on the web)
and Dying with Dignity in Victoria. There you will find many
who will support you unconditionally, it may even bring some
lightness into your remaining time on this earth.

Lesley