The irony of love is that it guarantees some degree of anger, fear and criticism.

As powerful as the power of positive thoughts are, depression biologically interferes with the brain's ability to maintain a positive thought for any period of time. Like the farmer who casts his seed upon the rocks, all the positive thoughts in the world presented to the depressed mind will not bear fruit.

To love means being 100 percent responsible for your experience of living, to not be a victim or a martyr, and to be 100 percent accountable for the quality of your life, which includes the amount of love, joy, and growth you create in your relationships each day. To love is the ability to remain strong, stable, and committed through difficult times, changes, and challenges. It means being gentle, kind, and supportive of your potential, goals, and aspirations.

In a nutshell: Medical research has shown that Hypericum is an effective treatment for depression-as successful as prescription anti-depressions in a majority of patients.

The irony of love is that it guarantees some degree of anger, fear and criticism.

You are no more at fault for having depression than if you had asthma, diabetes, heart disease, or any other illness.

Philip Martin has written a wise, compassionate, and nurturing guide through the self-oppression of depression.