Warm Horizon

As a psychiatric nurse holding a masters degree in counseling, I have had countless depressed adults implore me to help them understand their illness so that they might deal with it effectively. Often, those individuals either already had a history of depression or had just begun developing one. Thus, the possibility of providing sufferers with a complete and useful explanation of the nature and origin of depression, and what might be done to decrease vulnerability, has become increasingly appealing.

However, there is another reason for my interest: I have experienced severe depression myself. Therefore, I have sought to convey an understanding of the illness both from a nurse/counselor perspective and as a sufferer—"from the inside."

What has resulted is an educational "program" aimed at those who have taken it upon themselves to do all they can to rid themselves of depressive illness. Furthermore, the program is equally intended for pertinent others who wish to understand the illness in order that they might help depressed acquaintances/affiliates overcome their condition. Such interested others include spouses and other family members, clergymen, teachers, nurses, health care technicians, and various other health care professionals.

(Please understand that any suggestions or recommendations made in this material are derived from that which I have learned from what depressed persons have done to deal effectively with their illness, as well as from what I myself learned to do to resolve my own depression. I have carefully avoided medical information, such as material about antidepressant medications, that doctors utilize to treat their depressed patients.)

So it is with great anticipation that I introduce to you Warm Horizon, a 22-chapter publication devised for those adults whom I address. As author, I have provided readers with useful information, emotional support, self-management methodology, and self-development strategy, all to be utilized in lessening or even eliminating the depression with which many are saddled throughout their lives. I believe that most everything any lay person needs to know about depression and its non-medical management is included in this comprehensive program.

I have sought to divide the entire subject of depression, and thus each chapter, into four main areas:

What is the difference between this program and others offering information about depression? Warm Horizon goes further in its grass-roots explanation of this perplexing illness than any other informational aid I have seen. With its progressive layout and provision of insight, an attempt has been made to assist the reader (including supportive others) to complete much of the necessary self-advancement thinking to potentially rid oneself of depressive vulnerability. Thus, it is important that prospective readers understand that I am providing an in-depth examination of depression—its reality, its origins, and its requirements. I have delved into the clinical realm to provide you a complete understanding. And although I have attempted to minimize the technical nature of the information presented—without sacrificing important content—parts of the program reflect the nature of that clinical material.

At this point, let me be totally clear: This publication contains information no previous author, to my knowledge, has attempted to deliver to the lay person, and even to most mental health professionals. Furthermore, many readers will be uninterested in reading the more technical information in the program because they find it initially uncomfortable and/or difficult to comprehend. Although I have attempted to minimize that clinical information to readers, please understand that the primary reason for organizing the program into sections is to allow readers to identify areas of interest and at the same time allow them to identify areas they wish to avoid.

Moreover, the more "cut and dried" information is located in sections II and III--on dealing with depression day-by-day and on assisting family members to help their depressed loved ones with their illness.

Therefore, if you are a reader who is struggling with depression and cannot bring yourself to consider involvement with the program at this time, that is certainly okay and probably the right choice for you. But it will likely remain available should your depression continue to recur and/or worsen. At such a time, you may want to reconsider working with this admittedly imposing program. And it is my belief that the very existence of our depression is signifying a life task for us to understand and deal with this condition.

All readers: Please know that simply reading about early-life reasons for becoming vulnerable to depression, or even of explanations for the generation of major depressive illness, will rarely if ever bring about immediate self-assurance that such phenomena exist within. However, this reading, while likely being a bit unpleasant and difficult, will lead readers to develop a working knowledge of how to deal effectively with this dreadful illness. Furthermore, it is expected that those who do choose to work with the program will naturally become more introspective as they proceed. However, if you can trust that the material in this program has been produced from experts in the study of depressive illness, and of what kinds of measures have been shown to be helpful in self-managing it, I see no necessity that extensive introspection is required in order to benefit from this publication. (But the reading will likely bring about more discomfort in those who are not already at least somewhat introspective.)

More about the program: The crux of this program involves the progressive development of a holistic perspective toward life—the same perspective I have developed to remain free of depression (without medication or other treatment) for over three decades. The focus is on what is and is not true and how we can employ an awareness of Truth to change our outlook and raise our self-esteem. The program is divided into two major parts: Part I focuses specifically on depressive illness and serves to set the stage for Part II—a process for solidifying a new perspective, practicing truth awareness, improving relationships, and strengthening the self.

Please be aware that the program ventures into the spiritual arena and speaks to the issues and reality of depression with respect to our inner spirituality. It suggests that depressive illness presents us with an opportunity for spiritual advancement. At the same time, I can assure you there is no attempt in the program to invoke or make the case for organized religion. But I also do not discourage anyone's participation in organized religion—especially since many depressed individuals have helped themselves through its practice.

Throughout the program, I encourage and exemplify the use of self-affirmation as a means of giving ourselves what we need or failed to get when we were young—needs fulfillment that will facilitate a mindset and perspective that will decrease or sometimes eliminate our vulnerability to depression.

Also included in this material are personal notes and experiences of mine (Notes from Jim) that lend additional insight into depressive illness and its resolution as well as provide real life illustrations of the concepts and phenomena I describe. Those offerings are my attempt to relate to all who are affected by/interested in this horrendous illness. Much of the information comes as a result of my work as a psychiatric nurse with young children, adolescents, young and middle-aged adults, and older adults. I believe from that personal information, along with the rest of the program, you who have suffered from depression will know how well I know what you go through when saddled with this illness.

Remember, just as the depressive condition causes discomfort, to some extent so (likely) will reading about its underlying reality—temporarily. Furthermore, if you are involved in psychotherapy, you are advised to check with your therapist before involving yourself with this publication, as he/she could see reason against you doing so at this particular time. And if difficult problems such as paranoia or hallucinations, self-mutilation (such as cutting, burning, or gouging), and occasional suicidal thoughts are currently a problem, please consider seeking immediate medical treatment and do not involve yourself with this publication at this time.

Otherwise, if you have found yourself battling depression, or are seeking knowledge to help someone who is, give Warm Horizon a try. I am certain you can help yourself through its use so long as you are genuinely motivated to understand and deal with this complex illness.