Depression can strike anyone at any time. The mental illness afflicts more than 20 million Americans each year, making it the leading cause of disability in the United States.

The Pain of Depression: A Journey through the Darkness explores the physical and psychological challenges of depression, whose symptoms range from insomnia to debilitating fatigue. Compelling stories from depression sufferers capture the illness' devastating impact on their families, friends and communities.

This informative documentary has aired on over 250 public television stations nationwide and takes viewers on a journey to understand depression through the first-hand experiences of three people. Their family members and friends express their early misconceptions about the illness and recall how their loved ones fought depression with counseling, medication and lifestyle changes.

John, a self-described "macho man" first became depressed at the age of 40. He stayed in bed, felt sick and lost interest in playing with his children. John's denial and resistance to treatment prevented him from seeking help. Once he did, John regained the rewarding family life he once enjoyed.


Michele felt depressed following the birth of her first child at age 23. After years of going untreated, the young mother of four took action only after realizing the extent of her illness' effect on her family. With support and an appropriate treatment plan, Michele learned to gain control of her life.

Alice, a middle-aged African-American woman, plunged into a major depressive episode following a series of life stressors and the events of September 11, 2001. Unable to work, she relied on the financial support of welfare, family, friends and her church to survive. In time, Alice emerged from the darkness stronger and with a message of hope: depression can be conquered.

Throughout the film, nationally recognized experts from the University of Pennsylvania, Columbia University, New York State's Psychiatric Institute and the Hispanic Treatment Program at New York State's Psychiatric Institute discuss the cutting-edge research and theories about depression: its neurophysiology, symptoms, treatments and the role of family and friends in an individual's recovery. The documentary also touches upon the stigma of mental illness within various ethnic communities, including Latinos, and details the need for a customized treatment plans for these populations.

To see clips from "The Pain of Depression - A Journey through the Darkness," visit us at http://www.youtube.com/user/freedomff.