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Eric is the epitome of what every husband goes through when his wife suffers from depression. He walks the walk and isn't afraid to say it like it is. He understands what partnership is and that mental illness can drive a wedge in between couples if it isn't talked about and dealt with. It was truly inspiring to hear him talk and to know that he means what he says.

I like this video. I've suffered from depression most of my life. One of the most important things I came to realize after much research at UCLA and through the Internet, talking to other people and anytyhing else I could do to become more able to deal, I learned a couple of very important (vital) things: 1. the term "mental illness" is largely abused, having become a marketing term used to sell very expensive, mind altering drugs. Depression is NOT a valid diagnosis by virtue of the fact that there is no medical test to validate any actual "chemical imbalance" or any other physical cause. So any "treatment" offered by a doctor or psychiatrist isbased entirely on "professional" opinon. However, LIFE can be VERY depressing!!!! My parents had severe marital problems when I was growing up. School was very upsetting emotionally. I'm 48 years old now and going through tough times financially - our political/economic situation is VERY upsetting. Who wouldn't be depressed!

My depression is totally caused by a combination of life stresses, nutritional factors and "spriritual" travail - ALL of which I have succesfully battled over the years - I can honestly say that I HAVE conquered depression. So for whomever reads this, PLEASE don't buy into the multi-billion dollar PR campaign that's trying to sell you on the idea that you have a disease if you are depressed. YOU can overcome your own depression. Exersize helps, including DEEP breathing. Taking a long walk every day and NOTICING the surrounding environment helps tremendously. Seeking the help of a valid nutritionalist (NOT usually an MD) and getting on a properly balance nutritional program ALL make HUGE inroads on depression. Working, accomplishing things, creating art, hobbies, etc. ALL validly reduce depression and increase morale and sense of accomplishment. Stay away from psychiatry - do your own research, you'll find out why.

A last thing - most people (definitely true in my own case) who are depressed have somone around them that makes life feel worse. This can be a parent, co-worker or other close associate. Identifying this is VERY important. This would be someone whom you feel worse everytime you are around that person - the person probably "helps" you by telling you all about your faults, usually using generalities. There are other things to know about this, but it REALLY helps to notice who this is. Sometimes you have to leave that person behind. Sometimes you can change your way of dealing so that the person doesn't have a bad effect on you.

One other comment - the ONLY way to really deal with depresion is to TAKE CHARGE OF YOUR OWN LIFE. Never allow yourself to feel you are a "VICTOM" or you're TOAST.

I hope this helps someone.

1) I don't have audio on my computer so I can not view this video -- wish I could benefit from it's contents.
2) I often worry about the ramifications my disease has on my children...always focusing on me first.
3) The job losses because of the inability to focus or concentrate etc. which affect family finances
4) it makes me think of the Al-Anon commercial, "It's easy to see what alcoholism is doing to him, but what's it doing to you?"