Waging War on Severe Clinical Depression

Today someone struggling with severe clinical depression will hear that they need to snap out of it. A friend, family member, or doctor will tell them that physical exercise or a positive outlook will solve their problem. A stranger will comment, "Smile! It can't be that bad." And in a way, all of those people are right. Physical exercise is a helpful component of depression treatment. Cognitive behavioral therapy can also play a role in treating major depressive disorder. But exercise and positive thinking are merely individual weapons ... it takes an entire arsenal to wage war on severe clinical depression.

One Man's War on Severe Clinical Depression

Jack Smith is a man embroiled in a battle against a brain disease called Major Depressive Disorder. He joined us on the HealthyPlace Mental Health TV Show to discuss the realities of living with major depression.

... I’ve been waging war on this brain disease for a long time. And it is a disease. It is not a character flaw. It is not an excuse for my shortcomings. It is not a spiritual defect. It is not a case of the occasional blues. It is real, and it is painful — physically painful. It is maddening and it can be gut wrenching. It is an illness just as diabetes is an illness. I call it a war because war is hell, and so is clinical depression.

Read more from Jack at the Coping with Depression Blog here at HealthyPlace. You can also find him at his personal blog, aptly titled One Man's War on Depression.

Share Your Experience with Severe Clinical Depression

Have you been diagnosed with major depressive disorder or struggled with depression? We invite you to call us and share your thoughts and experiences with us at 1-888-883-8045. (Info about Sharing Your Mental Health Experience here.) You can also leave your comments below.