Depression issues are hard to handle only by medication. There are various pharmaceutical companies in the world that are constantly researching on resolving depression issues through medications but there has not been any major breakthrough yet. Hence, AstraZeneca one of the leading pharmaceutical companies in the world has decided to tread on a different path to achieve success and to do that they have gone for partnership with Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA) that works for the welfare of patients suffering from bipolar depression and major depressive disorders. Together they have launched their new campaign known as Speak and Be Heard Living with Depression.

The Living with Depression has been a great success for AstraZeneca and DBSA because patients are getting new ways to overcome their depression. The campaign works on a different level where patients get to learn more from other patients. Hence, all the patients are requested to either write poetry, essay, and songs or make some art or shoot a video that showcases their ways of overcoming depression. There are some patients who have strong will power and would like to use that as a tool to overcome their depression. AstraZeneca and DBSA are trying to use that to inspire other patients who are not good at handling their depression.

At the end of the campaign judges will decide the best art forms and select finalists that will be recognized for their inspirational work. This year Dr. Janet Taylor, Allen Doederlein, and Amanda Smith participated as judges to select the finalists.

This year’s finalists were selected in the following categories:

Essay
• Linea J. Seattle, WA, “Finding Dry Land”
• Lisa W., Bradenton, FL, “Teacher Talk”
• April T., Albany, GA, “Salvaged”

Poetry
• Vicki M. Lawrenceville, GA, “Recovery from the Pit”
• Kim C. Steubenville, OH, “Hope”
• Sara T. Marinette, WI, “The Walking Wounded”

Art
• Julie J. Orange, CA, “The Flip Side”
• Jennifer G. Federal Way, WA, “Stitches”
• Michael K. Palm Desert, CA, “Artshines”

Video
• Jennifer S. Mahopac, NY, “A Bipolar Memoir”
• Marci M. Asheville, NC, “On The Road to Wellness”