Posted by Dr. Bob on March 4, 2004, at 16:52:32
In reply to Re: Noonday Demon - Very grim, is it true??, posted by Viridis on March 4, 2004, at 3:12:42
> 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:Dr. Bob
thread:320259
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/books/20040211/msgs/320259.html