@led. I suffered through two episodes of major depression. Since you are a medical student, you probably understand better than I do that depression is a physical disease of the brain...and now research is showing a faulty gut. It has nothing to do with our being weak or lazy or not good enough. Two of the most difficult issues I had to deal with, other than feeling totally hopeless, were not being able to concentrate and being exhausted all the time with no energy. I was also surprised at how many aches and pains that I had that I attributed to being depressed. During one episode, I was in graduate school and had to drop out until I was better. I've found through traveling and working overseas that mental illness is treated much differently in different countries and cultures. Where do you live? I hope where you live it is treated like any other illness, there is no shame attached to it, and that you will find a competent doctor to help get your brain chemistry back on track. I also found being in a support group of other people who were depressed and going through the same things I was really helpful. I realize that is a cultural thing and might not be possible where you are. I'm glad you have a loving, supportive family and hope they have some understanding of what depression is. I hope they understand you are struggling through no fault of your own. Can you print some articles about depression for them to read? I think that might help them...and hopefully you. Another thing I'd recommend you try to do is change the way you are talking about/to yourself. You need to be your own best friend, and you wouldn't say things to a friend that you're saying to or about yourself. I hope you don't think that was being too critical or harsh, but I think it's really important. It's a long slog sometimes to dig your way out of depression, but you've taken the first important step...which I think is to realize you're depressed and reach out for help. Good luck in your journey! Nancy

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