Yes, sometimes I’m reduced to being just the messenger in this world, but some messages are easier to pass along more than others.

If you have depression, ABC News wants to hear your story, as a video that may be aired in an upcoming special on depression. This is what they sent me:

ABC News’ Medical Examiner, Dr. Tim Johnson, will host a series on the
struggles of living with depression in March. Included in the series
will be personal stories submitted by Americans managing and living with
this life altering health issue.

You can contribute by sending in 15-45 second videos on these topics:

1) Share your personal story of living with depression.
What is the biggest challenge you or your loved one faces with this
health issue?

2) Ask an expert your question on diagnosis, prevention, day-to-day
management or treatment of depression.

Your video comments/stories will have the opportunity to be aired in the
special AND be featured on ABCNews.com.

DEADLINE: March 15, 2008

HOW TO SEND IN YOUR VIDEO:

Register & upload your submission here:

http://ugv.abcnews.go.com/Player.aspx?id=2765790

- Click on the red “RESPOND” button

Here are 2 other samples of other participants who’ve been featured on
ABCNews.com or ABC News Programming on similar health issues:

SAMPLE #1
Breast Cancer: Kathy-Ellen’s Story
Kathy-Ellen talks about reconstructive surgery after breast surgery.
http://abcnews.go.com/Video/playerIndex?id=3872532

SAMPLE #2
Healthy Life: Diet & Diabetes
Diabetes patient Mitchell Stafiej shares how he counts carbs.
http://abcnews.go.com/Video/playerIndex?id=3872532

We look forward to receiving your contribution. If you have any
questions, reply or call ABC News!

Best,
The ABC News “Talk Back” Team

Please make sure you understand what you’re getting into if you decide to share your story, on video, with ABC News. Especially with regards to your privacy and the possibility that you may be identified (or identifiable) through the video, and what ramifications that may have in your life. I think this sort of journalism is important because it reduces the mystery and stigma surrounding mental disorders like depression, but I don’t want to minimize the possible privacy issues either.

Dr. John Grohol is the CEO and founder of Psych Central. He is an author, researcher and expert in mental health online, and has been writing about online behavior, mental health and psychology issues -- as well as the intersection of technology and human behavior -- since 1992. Dr. Grohol sits on the editorial board of the journal Cyberpsychology, Behavior and Social Networking and is a founding board member and treasurer of the Society for Participatory Medicine.

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    Last reviewed: By John M. Grohol, Psy.D. on 21 Feb 2008
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