http://ybpguide.disqus.com/To empower African-Americans, and all people of color, with the knowledge and inspiration to foster progression and productivity in the community.enSat, 05 May 2007 21:47:09 -0000http://ybpguide.com/2007/05/04/heroic-melancholy/#comment-2414491<p>This article hits home for me, and I understand, totally, what it means to be a "functioning depressed person." Although you may be hurting in some way, internally or emotionally, it will ultimately manifest, physically. Sometimes, it seems that the "pain" will just never end.</p><p>Deep article...thank you.</p><p>As Salaam Alaikum,</p><p>Shon</p>ShonSat, 05 May 2007 21:47:09 -0000http://ybpguide.com/2007/05/04/heroic-melancholy/#comment-2414492<p>The thing I guess I want communicated most to the functionally depressed is that life doesn't have to be that way. Sometimes we are so used to disfunction and chaos that we think it's the norm and even acceptable. But it's not. Freedom awaits. Embrace yours.</p>ETSFri, 04 May 2007 19:35:36 -0000http://ybpguide.com/2007/05/04/heroic-melancholy/#comment-2414490<p>This is great stuff. I was just watching a show (can't remember which one) that touched on how African-Americans especially are not comfortable with mental health issues and even frown upon those who seek psychiatric help. I'm not exactly sure if the stigma has to do with our past and how our ancestors got through the rough times without drugs or therapy, or if it just seems weak in general. Bottom line is, Garry is absolutely right with his broken arm analogy- if any other physical part of our body were injured then we would immediately seek medical attention. But when our mental state is suffering, we hesitate out of fear...</p><p>P.S. Happy Birthday Garry!</p>Kimberly MichelleFri, 04 May 2007 15:19:18 -0000