Thank you to all the authors for sharing such personal stories. I read them all and learned something new from each of them.

I was surprised at the different ways mental illness affects people and their families.

I am a St. John's member. I would like to be able to tell my story as well. It has taken me many years to arrive at the most wonderful spot in my life. God has blessed me with the ability to tell my story to others. It is still painful to me, but I know that God made me like this for a reason.

Hi, i don't know who i'm talking to but,i was just looking around on the internet and found this story... wellit's more than a story, I was in prison with this lady and she was so cool!!!! She helped me get my GED there we lived in in the same unit,she always has a smile on her face even though,... well you know I just wanted to let whoever know that there are really awsome blessed people in prison and things, not so happy things can happen to anyone.

Hmm, well I hate to say this but the comments on here are kind of well stereotypical..sigh. I guess I should expect that. Particularly since I am a jaded cynical optimist trying to be a pessimist:) But I too have struggled with depression. I'm not discounting the other two people who have posted, I think the only reason they have such short comments is they didn't want to reveal too much. I on the other hand have shared my story with friends, family, and completely strangers I figure heck what's a few more? Oh just so everyone knows I too like Ruth am on medication 10 mg of it actually. I am also 22, but very mature for my age as I have experience 4 deaths (1 of which i wasn't really old enough to remember) 3 suicide attempts, 2-3 moves one of which included my moving to South Carolina and all of this happening mostly in middle school, high school and college. But for better or worse I am a happy, well adjusted, college student who for the most part sees people as nice, trusting, and caring. Not always mind you but usually. I guess what I'm trying to say, is don't be afraid to share your own story, and no matter what remember that someone cares about you. I've learned this, by hearing it from others, and sometimes by being that person. Sometimes it was just for one night, to a friend I only knew for a few minutes or hours, but it made them feel loved, and they didn't believe in God and frankly I think that's OK. If you all think I'm being blasphemous for saying this then fine, it's just what I believe as a (currently) nondenominational Christian:) At any rate there's my story and some of my beliefs, take them as you will.