A significant part of my career was in the mental health field, so I genuinely appreciate this article. It is so difficult to understand what "capital D" Depression really is ... and as you have illustrated very well, it is not a disease that an individual copes with--rather, it is a sickness that infects one's entire family and circle of friends. And if untreated, it really is a terminal illness. I am glad you had the support that you needed ... so many don't have anyone to fill the role of your brother or your partner. And for them, the prognosis is poor indeed.