The Gift of Depression: Twenty-One Inspirational Stories Sharing Experience, Strength, and Hope. Together We Will End the Stigma.

I am the webowner of the Mental Health Sanctuary and added a story to this book. When the book came out and I was able to read other's stories, not only was the book very interesting to read, but it helped to comfort me, realizing that what I endured in my life was shared by many people. I felt so much less alone as I read other people's stories - their hardships, their pain and how they worked through it - what gave them strength, etc. If you are hurting and you are feeling alone and perhaps that there is no way out in your life, this book is for you. If you are a family member and you are having a difficult time understanding your loved one, this book is for you

I could not put this book down. Each person's poignant story gave me a new understanding and compassion for mental illness of all kinds. I believe it will go a long way in healing the fear and stigma surrounding those who suffer from this kind of illness. As John Brown states in his introduction, "No one feels more lost, alone, misunderstood, confused, and hopeless than someone experiencing a depressive episode. This book will not only benefit the patient; it will also aid their family members, who are just as confused and bewildered."