Radio 4
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About John Peel
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Tears of a Clown
George contacted us after he'd heard Lynn Jones talk about her boyfriends' suicide. A couple of years ago he wouldn't have been able to put pen to paper. He had severe depression. Now, how wants everyone to know that there is life after depression.....
George has a loving family, and a young grandchild. He'd taken early retirement to enjoy writing, sculpting and generally enjoying himself when depression hit.
He describes it as an 'altered state', and very isolating. He's one of those lucky people who are usually 'happy'. When he started having suicidal thoughts, and his 'happiness gauge' was reading two out of a possible ten, he realised it had gone far enough. He went to see his doctor who was very sympathetic.
George's first prescription for anti-depressants knocked out his libido, which was depressing in itself. Now he's on a mild anti-depressant and has moved on his 'happiness gauge back up to seven-eight, and it's 'lovely' to be back in the real world.
Useful information:
UK charity offering help to people with depression, including information about symptoms and treatments
A comprehensive overview of this common condition, alongside interactive diagnosis tools and summaries of treatment
has an article about dietary factors which might effect depression.
Which emotions you do gauge and how?
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