Thanks for the doctor referrals and the information on depression plus addiction. It's strange that there's little information out there on dual diagnosis, if indeed so many people try to `self medicate' their depression. However I don't know if I'm really addicted, and until recently I would have said certainly I wasn't...

But I'm beginning to perceive how it may be a factor. At times in the past, I guess as an attempt at self-treatment, I tried to stay slightly drunk for as long as possible. In one instance, for a month and a half.  That didn't seem excessive at the time, though someone did remark on it - my reply at the time was: "In the words of Miles Davis, `So what?!'" My dad died at 51, in depressive psychosis with his liver shot, that's what. It seems somewhat obvious now.

Anyhow my struggles for peace and health seemed to have a `missing link' somewhere and this might be it... Additionally I'm doing far better on this combination of medications than I ever have in the past - I feel far less compelled to attempt to quell the panic attacks with lots of  beer, for instance. I never thought I would outlive my father but now I have a hope that I might.
RP in CA
 

Depression has run in my family for years and gone untreated, as far as I know. I am currently seeking help so that I can feel normal again. That is if I ever felt normal to begin with.

I am a licenced cosmetologist and I am also trying to become a children's' writer. I cannot organize my thoughts or story ideas as well as I believe I am capable, because of depression.

I received information from my doctor at my last visit and saw your name among others to contact for information. I was hoping you can give me information so I can better understand what I am going through and my husband can learn about and help me through this too. Life is too short for me to have it wasted by depression. I want to get well!
HW in OH

We are always in need of encouraging stories to share with others.
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