Wow!... and again WOW! This thread has been a real eye opener. I post rarely, but read for 'fun' and information, gossip and news. Names of posters become familiar and perceptions are formed. This thread has stopped me in my tracks! What started out with such a nasty whiff of cynicism has turned into a life-affirming, inspiring and thought-provoking one. I am filled with sheer admiration for the guys who have taken this chance to tell it as it is and have described so accurately what real depression is and feels like. This would have not happened without Bails speaking out and for that I think he deserves thanks. I really hope he reads this and knows what he has managed to do. For those of you 'opinionated, hard-talking and macho' posters who have bared your souls, admiration and respect is huge and you have surely achieved a real step forward in this thread. It may gradually fade away, like all others, and sink lower down the page, but it has surely been unique. Thank you too, especially those who have turned their depression face-about and put so much into helping others and adding so much to the game I love. It's devotees are surely a really special bunch!

Was never a fan of his as a player, but wish him nothing but well on a personal level...

Awesome reading. Moving, enlightening and educating. Thank you its been a privilege to read.

It does demonstrate that no matter how alone you might feel in your despair there are many more suffering/that have suffered the same...if only you know where to look. Who would have thought it would have been on here !!! (when your GP tells you about the huge period of time you must wait before official counselling is an option hardly helps anybody).

I don't feel as brave as others on here that have told their story (such respect) for fear of tearing myself apart again....suffice to say I lost a good woman (my wife) because of its debilitating corrosive effects on my mind. I actually thought I was unworthy of her and it actually became a self fulfilling prophecy. ....

I have to take my hat off to those who have shown such great courage in sharing their innermost troubles and personal stories with their rugby sparring partners. You guys have earned respect. I consider myself so lucky not to have suffered from this debilitating illness which I have seen be the cause of much unhappiness in others.

Having highlighted how common this illness is on SS I would hope that this could lead to future debates being argued with more sensitivity and less personal attacks albeit still with conviction.

What a great point! We all have our own opinions, and this place is better for that, there's no need for it to get personal when opinions differ - whether that be giving out personal insults, or just taking someone's difference of opinion personally, we don't need that and it adds nothing to any debate.