The Learning Path...has really opened my eyes to the possibility that I can overcome this

I want to start by saying thank you. I am an avid reader and completed the Learning Path within a couple of hours. In those two hours, I have learnt more about depression than I have in the last two years.

I have suffered with depression severely for the last two years and feel slightly embarrassed that in all that time, I have not explored my condition further. I have trusted that my medical team (doctors and therapists) have my best interest at heart and that they are well informed on how to treat me. While I am not discrediting the practitioners, it is now abundantly clear that this is not the case. I was always lead to believe that depression was due to a chemical imbalance. When you are told that by your own doctor, you feel compelled to believe it.

The Learning Path has given me great insight into some of the other factors of depression and you are completely right that in understanding the facts, this will better equip you for the future.

I have been on various medication during this episode of depression (yes, there have been more episodes) and I knew that it only relieved the symptoms, not cured the depression. However, I have been repeatedly asked by my therapist to consider talking therapies, in particular, psychotherapy. I have never agreed to this as I felt that exploring the past would potentially open a can of worms. And I am so glad I haven't.

I will be seeing my doctor as a matter of urgency and request Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) as a potential starting point, as this was always my gut instinct. I just didn't feel confident enough to challenge my doctor, believing that they knew best. I will also maintain a diary as not only is this a great tool for exploring thinking patterns, but it is also a way of venting my frustration and feelings, without 'burdening' someone else. (Yes, I know I'm not a burden, but one step at a time please!!)

You guys have put so much thought into the Learning Path and it has really opened my eyes to the possibility that I can overcome this. For that I thank you and I will undoubtedly mention this to my therapist at our next appointment.