This article by author, William Styron, describes his long bout of depression & suicidality. He describes the suicides of several famous people (for example, Abbie Hoffman), & the denial of suicide by family & friends. Styron is annoyed at the stigma attached to suicide, & the lack of understanding surrounding depression – a word he believes does not portray the intensity of this medical illness. Most of this article describes his personal experiences with depression. (VM)