My name is Dan. When I was much younger I spent several years feeling what I called "depressed". Sad a lot, negative self-image. I tried therapy 3, 4 or 5 times, but I wasn't really willing to let down my defenses and let it all out, or to let anyone else probe to closely. I built those defenses and they're there for a reason.

I guess I felt better for a long time. More like spending my efforts on my career, and being succesful made me feel good.

The last 7 years I've been disabled by migraines, although now I'm starting a new career as a massage therapist. But I recognize what is depression when I have a headache I can't get rid of day after day. And I also recognize that it's never really been gone, just pushed back, covered up and ignored.

Several years ago we had a family reunion and an older Uncle I'd always respected as rich, independant and powerful, a man who made his own way in the world and conquered it, broke down and cried openly at least a few times about injustices and pain in his childhood. I realized that could be me in 20 years and vowed to do something to leave that childhood pain behind. I sure haven't done much yet.