The Devil and Michael Boyle
For at least 15 years, and probably longer, I have suffered from depression. I suppose I am fortunate, in that my depression is not as severe as it is for many people, at least based on some people's accounts that I have heard. Nevertheless, I truly have it, and it has very real medical symptoms. When the episodes hit, my appetite goes to nothing--I've gone a week eating only a couple of meals that I forced down through pure willpower. I've had whole months where I would wake up every morning to prolonged bouts of nausea. I know when I'm really in for it when, like clockwork, I suddenly snap awake at 3 or 4 in the morning, no matter how tired I am from the previous day's early rising. So, I know that it is a real, physical condition. And, fortunately for me, one that has proven responsive to antidepressants. That's one, completely correct and descriptive way I have of understanding what is going on with me. But it is not the only way. ...