From the website for the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance:

"The State of Depression in America Report examines the economic, social and individual burdens of this illness and explores opportunities to improve the availability and quality of care while working toward recovery and better lives for all Americans."

Photo, report, and web link link copyright DBSA.

This story and link written by and thanks to: Brittney Hopper and Barney Lerten, KTVZ.com, Bend, Oregon.

"Sen. Gordon Smith, R-Ore., let the Central Oregonians he serve do most of the talking during a visit Wednesday to the Bend Senior Center, on topics ranging from the confusing Medicare prescription drug plan to the recent controversy over immigration reform.

Smith, chairman of the Senate Special Committee on Aging, said he'll continue using that panel's oversight powers to ensure the interests of American seniors are protected.

Smith also talked about his family's private pain, losing a son to suicide with bi-polar manic depression. In his case, Smith said he and his family had the means to help their son. But he said he wants to do something about others who may not be able to pay for mental health programs."

"Doctors told me I'd been suffering from manic depression and free-floating anxiety (a hereditary condition as it transpired) that makes you have panic attacks and experience feelings of impending doom. It can happen at any time and the doctors told me that when something went wrong in my life - usually in the aftermath of losing someone I was deeply emotionally involved with - it would trigger these bad feelings causing me to self harm."

From across the pond in Scotland comes this personal story of bipolar and self-harming.  Have you experienced feelings like this or has anyone you know?