Rod Steiger, your description of your depression years is exact portrayal of my 20+ depression years! I, too, am a survivor, and proudly proclaim there is life after depression. It will take us, the survivors, to convince those who presently are dealing with this ILLNESS that they, too can survive! I once told a friend when I was hospitalized (one of my many hospitalizations) that i wish I had broken my leg because it would have been easier to explain! You are right, multiple medications must be tried until just the right one is discovered to work on your depression. And, yes, it is expensive--at one point I quit taking my meds until the doctor realized this and found way to supply them. Again, as you explained, the doctor/medical assistants must CARE in order to achieve positive results! I truly enjoyed your interview. So glad you were willing to discuss your experiences and ultimate survival from the pits of depression to new heights!! After the 20+ years, multiple hospitalizations, 24-30 ECT treatments, multiple suicide attempts.....I now am on ZERO (NO) medications!! Hope I can help others accomplish this!! Thank you!!!