So now you know that you're not being stalked by the devil or tapped by God or whatever the voices say to you, find someone who can help. If they don't, find someone else. If they brush you off, see someone else. You get the idea: keep searching until you find the right help. You're worth it. Don't let any nagging voice (real or imagined) tell you otherwise.

Here are some resources that could enlighten and educate you. But above all, check out the "You gotta laugh. And say, 'awww!'" section. It's the most important one by far.

People telling you to "Get over it?" Tell them to "Get educated."

http://www.defenselink.mil/home/features/2007/walter_reed/
Realizing the negative perceptions associated with getting help, the military is taking action. This site serves to "reduce the stigma associated with seeking mental health counseling." Go get em, Gates!

http://amenclinics.com/bp/atlas/ch7.php
Images of a depressed person's brain vs. a "normal" brain.

http://www.crazymeds.us/
I love this link. It chronicles one man's medical, mental-health odyssey. But be warned: if you take offense at foul language, you'll pass out reading this.

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/depression/DS00175
The smarty pants over at the Mayo Clinic have a lot to say about depression and related issues. Start with their definition.

http://www.nkm2.org/
Entertainment industry folks bent on reducing the stigma of mental illness.

http://forums.about.com/n/pfx/forum.aspx?nav=messages&webtag=ab-depression
A forum about depression in general.

http://www.depressionforums.org/forums/forums.html
A giant site covering depression.


Young folks... can't talk to your parents or your friends?

Are you sure your parents won't understand? Really? Okay, I'm not here to bug ya, but you might be surprised by their reaction.

Here are some links I found that may help point you in the right direction. Just remember, I am not a therapist, doctor, pharmacist, scientifically-inclined-what-so-ever person, guru or mentor. So just double-check these sites (sites have a tendency to change and stuff). And above all, trust your gut.

P.S. Perhaps some of the forums in the "People telling you to 'Get over it?' Tell them to 'Get educated.'" section could help too.

http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/self_injurers_sanctum/
For self-injurers who are still in school.

http://www.teencentral.net/
For teens, by teens. Not old farts like me.

http://www.coolnurse.com/depression2.htm
I like this site. Doesn't call you "homie" and "dawg" in order to relate to people your age.


Suicide hotline:
National Hopeline Network 1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-273-TALK)
All calls are private and confidential.


You gotta laugh. And say, "awww!"

http://www.cuteoverload.com/
http://www.stuffonmycat.com/
http://icanhascheezburger.com/
http://cuteotters.com/
http://wombatcountry.com/mammals/wombats.html
http://dailycoyote.blogspot.com/


more cat pictures


Still not feeling it? Not moved by fuzzy duckies? Check out this site and VENT to your hearts content.
http://pub12.bravenet.com/forum/show.php?usernum=988392866∓cpv=2
In their words, "This is a space reserved ONLY for those who want to confront their abusers without repercussion. You may remain anonymous! Tell your abusers exactly how you feel and what you would say if face-to-face with them. This is an empowering and healing thing to do!"


Gluten's Gut-Brain Connection.

Thanks to the elimination of gluten (the protein found in wheat and other grains) from my diet, I reduced my Effexor intake by 300 mg. It makes sense if you consider that 90% of serotonin production happens within the digestive tract. And if your body can't process the food you eat, it won't be doing a good job of much of anything else.

links:
http://celiacdisease.about.com/od/symptomsofceliacdisease/a/Depression.htm
I love this article. An excerpt: "If the patient's depression is related to malabsorption of nutrients, then being gluten-free can help, because the intestines heal and nutrient absorption improves."

http://www.drkaslow.com/html/gluten-brain_connection_.html
Another good one.


A blog for voice-hearers? Why yes!

http://hearingvoicesmovement.blogspot.com/



A word on forums: I don't endorse, approve, recommend, or certify any information, specific treatment, medications, services, or professionals presented or mentioned on the forum links provided.

For more legalese, click to Legal & the Obvious