Posted by Viridis on March 4, 2004, at 3:12:42
In reply to Re: Noonday Demon - Very grim, is it true??, posted by sjb on March 3, 2004, at 8:35:15
I just don't see how Noonday Demon is a "depressing" book. Instead, it emphasizes how real depression is as a medical condition. And how treatable. I found it fascinating.
Given all the other illnesses that one could have, with no real treatment options, depression is a "lucky" one, in a weird way -- it's actually manageable!
I guess I'm an optimistic depressive, but I'm determined to break through this, and am making reasonable progress. I (like many others here) have had the most severe depression imaginable, yet I always convince myself that things can only get better. And they have (with the right meds, of course).
Solomon's book just helps to bring depression into the mainstream, and is one more step in making this a legitimate medical condition in the perception of the general public. I agree, though, that it may not be the best thing to read when you're depressed, unless you can see the silver lining.
What a weird thing depression is -- it distorts your thinking so much that everything seems negative and your life seems worthless. And yet, the vast majority can recover with the right treatment, a very encouraging prospect that needs to be brought to the forefront.
poster:Viridis
thread:319196
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20040228/msgs/320011.html