Were a benevolent genie to grant mywishes, apart from world peace, anend to poverty and equality for all, I would ask for only two things. Thefirst is that someone would design avirtual reality simulation, where people who don't acknowledge anxietyand depression experience the fullwrath of a panic attack and the ferociousness of suicidality. I think thatafter a few minutes of agony, their perception would completelychange. My second wish would be to view myself through the eyesof loved ones, to see the potential they see in me, even for acouple of seconds...Living with major depressive disorder and the ensuing chaos ofattempted suicide has drastically changed my perspective on life.Although it debilitates me to various degrees, it enables me tosee the world differently. I think if it had not been for depression, Iwould not have become as understanding, accepting and accommodating toward others. Thus, depression is my double-edgedsword. On the one hand it provides me with a wealth of knowledge, experience and creativity, but on the other it persistentlypushes me closer to the edge. Perhaps having a mental illness is agift, albeit an unwanted one, and if I spend sufficient time exploring and scrutinizing this gift, I may eventually use the beneficialaspects of it to pay it forward to society. This would be a dreamcome true. I hope this book is a helpful contribution to educatingsufferers, their families and friends, and those who will deal withsufferers in the workplace