Because I have such a hard time keeping a positive attitude, I wanted to set a section of my blog aside where everyday I can point out something that is positive about a person, a thing, or situation.  This exercise is forcing me to be more of a glass is half full kind of person, and helping me maintain a positive attitude.

Until I developed major depression, I had no clue as to how debilitating depression can be.  I never realized that depression treatment could be so difficult and so much of it trial and error.  I had no concept or understanding of what depression was really like.  I did not understand that the illness major depression was more than just a state of mind or having a bad attitude.  Oh, how I wonder and despair at the thought that before my own mental illness, I judged people who were suffering from depression harshly.

Now that I have had my own experiences with major depression and an anxiety disorder, I can truly say I have been there, done that and have the straight jacket to prove it.  I can change my own reactions to people who suffer from mental illnesses, whether it is depression or schizophrenia.  Through my own experiences and willingness to to talk about them publicly I know that I can educate other people to not judge people with mental illnesses harshly.  I believe I can bring an understanding to others, that depression is not about someone having a poor attitude, but instead is an illness that is no different than if they had diabetes.  My hope is that when I come out on the other side of things and I am in better control of things that I can use what I have learned and maybe offer support to someone with  major depression, especially if they have no support system of their own in place.  Not everyone is as fortunate as me and has a good support system.