Depression is not a passive activity, it’s exhausting. It’s a pervasive and relentless despair, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The World Health Organisation forecasts that by 2020 depression will be the second largest illness after heart disease. It is estimated that 10% of the Australian population will suffer a mental illness at some time in their lives. My Life As A Side Effect aims to define depression, overthrow stereotypes, and demistify and destigmatise it. Depression is an ongoing illness that requires understanding and treatment in the same way that diabetes does. Mental illness shouldn’t be a valid excuse for anything and everything, but it can be unpredictable and debilitating and therefore knowledge and awareness will make the world a happier and easier place for all involved. Many people and their friends, family and colleagues don’t know where or how to get help. This book will point them in the right direction and bring them understanding. My Life As A Side Effectis a loose diary of Milissa’s depression and the journey to conquering / managing it, through drugs (prescribed and social), therapy, self-harm, relationship breakdowns, paranoia, anxiety, suicide attempts, understanding (from herself and others), love and maturity. Along the journey Milissa displays anger, despair and quite a bit of humour. Best of all it has a happy ending. Milissa is currently full time employed, medication- free and in a happy and lasting relationship. Her story takes place in NY, Sydney and Newcastle. My Life As A Side Effect includes interviews with people who suffer and struggle to manage depression. They range in age, manifestations of the illness, and techniques and uses of drugs, therapies and pure willpower to manage it. Some of the testimonies are shocking, some show pure grit and others are inspiring. My Life As A Side Effect includes interviews with medical professionals and practitioners. SANE Australia and Mental Illness Education Australia (MIEA) contribute fact sheets, information, and strategies for dealing with depression and stress on a daily basis.