I think that it is fair to say that the world as it is today is contributing to a general malaise that is affecting everyone to a greater or lesser extent. It is becoming harder to simply stay afloat, to feed your children and keep a dry roof over your head. We are told that we are not making enough money, but we are spending more and more of it as each year passes. Our negative self-image is constantly re-inforced by the perfection we see in the media and perceive in others.

Trauma can induce chemical depression and it is getting to the point where simply living can be a traumatic experience for many. It is hardly surprising, therefore, that so many individuals identify with feelings of depression and helplessness.

So what if depression is brought on by a partner leaving you or general teen troubles? Serious, clinical depression can be induced by seemingly benign events even in indviduals not predisposed to such conditions. Why? Well, the human psyche and brain are very complex and volatile entities.

Having myself experienced both "chemical" and experientially-based depression I can easily say that depression is depression is depression and it sucks no matter which way you cut it.

We need to provide love and support for everyone who needs it.