Jean Calder's article, "It's time for the cup that cheers" was ill-judged (The Argus April 23).

Her comment that she "should write a worthy article but was too depressed", is clear evidence that, while she may have been feeling miserable, she was certainly not depressed.

Depression is a chronically debilitating condition. It is not cured, only controlled - and not very well - by medication such as Prozac.

It is not relieved by a visit to a teashop, however good.

Depression is rarely, if ever, a reaction to world events, however disturbing. Furthermore, the Mock Turtle does not need a half-page of free publicity.

Depression can reduce an otherwise reasonable adult to a state where he or she cannot cross the road because they find the task terrifying and incomprehensible.

It can reduce the sufferer to a state where he or she stands in a phone box, crying, trying to phone home because they cannot understand how to get themselves there.

The sufferer is always just one small step away from suicide.

Pleasure is derived from planning one's own funeral - death is the only prospect of relief.

Depression is not curable - it is at best only managed from day to day.

Miss Calder should not write a patronising, "worthy" article but restrict herself to subjects she does understand. Depression deserves informed journalism.

-Name and address supplied