Joanne,
You are absolutely right, depression isn't a moral weakness and should
never be seen as such.  My reasons for not taken medication are more
to do with the fact that I don't like the way it messes up my thought
processes and also my depression is more circumstantial than chemical,
relating more to the total lack of emotional support and validation in
my life.  To put it bluntly, I have received more acceptance, support,
friendship, and positive reactions to my personality and who I am,
from everyone on this list in the last two weeks, than I ever have in
my entire life.  Depression can in some cases be chemical, and often I
wish that it was in my case.  Unfortunately sometimes it is a result
of severe mistreatment and neglect, and this is something that can be
`cured' more by supportive human relationships.

Mind you, I still think depression is much more difficult than CP to
deal with.  But I don't regard it as a weakness in any way, just a
difficult part of the human condition.

Rayna

On Mon, Feb 26, 2001 at 06:39:54AM -0500, joanne wrote:
    I'm sure depression is very difficult to deal with however I don't feel that
    anyone on this list should take it as a moral/character/personal weakness.
    CP by the nature of the beast encompasses brain damage. That same damage can
    mess up the brain part of emotions.
    IF you have know problems with the idea of taking medicine for pain/spasms
    caused by the brain damage of CP than by the same token medicine taken for
    depression caused by   the brain damage of CP is just as essential for your
    comfort and well being.
    Joanne
    ----- Original Message -----
    From: Rayna Lamb <[log in to unmask]>
    To: <[log in to unmask]>
    Sent: Monday, February 26, 2001 2:20 AM
    Subject: Re: The Basketball Story


    > Jennifer,
    > Couragous of you to get off the meds, it takes far more guts than
    > anything else...
    I don't know about you, but I have always thought
    > that I would rather have much more severe CP and no depression than
    > the moderate degree of CP at the moment, and the depression that I
    > have to live through.  > >
    > Rayna