(Clearwisdom.net) It has been reported that 340 million people in the world suffer from depression. Of these, 30 million are in China, and the number is growing. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) depression may soon become the second most common disease, and also rank second as a potential 'killer'. There is currently no effective, scientific, way to completely cure it.

Before 2004, I suffered from depression. In September 2004, I began practicing Falun Gong and was able to rid myself of this disease. Now I enjoy good health, happiness and confidence.

I fully understand how painful it is to have depression. Such a person is always pessimistic and has

low self-esteem most of the time. There is also the painful thought of not being able to do anything about it. For eight years, 1996-2004, my parents spent a lot of time seeking medical help for me, but to no avail.

I tried Western and Chinese medicine, electrotherapy and saw a psychologist. Each type of treatment offered some temporary relief, but that was all. Since practicing Falun Gong I know why the effects of the other treatments were temporary. These methods don't change the way you think, how you view life and don't remove any of your attachments. In addition, there are often side effects with these treatments. Some medicine can cause drowsiness, while others may make a person so hyper that they can't stop talking until the medicine wears off. There was one type of medicine that a doctor said I should never stop taking. All had a negative impact on my studies and daily work.

By 2002, my depression was very serious. The electrotherapy had a damaging effect on my memory, and my mood was very low. I was unable to face my colleagues, so I quit my job.

In 2003, a relative of mine, a Dafa practitioner, came to see me. She told me not to worry and just let go of things. She said that if I had a concern, I could talk to her or my parents. She also told my parents not to worry and things should just be allowed to take their course. I felt the compassion she had and enjoyed talking to her. I subsequently went to see her often and talked to her whenever I got in a low mood. We talked for two to three hours each time and I felt much better after each talk. She basically helped me to remove my mental blocks. We talked regularly over the course of one and a half years. Clearly, she is an exceptionally patient person, as she was able to let me take up so much of her time.

After a year and a half of our talks, I felt much better and was able to return to work, adjusting myself to daily life in society and dealing with the problems if offers. My confidence was growing. I am truly grateful to my relative, as she had done so much for me and for such a great length of time. She explained that she treated me the way she did because she was a Falun Gong practitioner, and received the patience and wisdom as a result of the practice. She told me that if I wanted to thank her, it would be more appropriate to thank her Master. She told me that I should memorize the words, "Falun Gong is good. Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance is good," and conduct myself with the principles of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance.

During the time with my relative, I gained a good understanding of Falun Gong. I understood that practitioners are patient, compassionate, and selfless, and its principles are clear and thorough. In July 2004, I decided to learn Falun Gong's five sets of exercises and in September I read the book, Zhuan Falun, where the principles were explained more to me.

I found the five exercises easy to learn, and I felt good after doing them. I also cherish the time spent reading Zhuan Falun. The more I read it, the deeper I understand the principles. I know how to be a good person, how to deal with conflicts, and problems at work and home. I understand that when there is a problem I should first look within myself and not blame others. Before I started my practice, I relied on medicine, medical doctors and my relative. Now, I read Zhuan Falun and do the exercises every day, and use what I learned in the book to deal with my daily problems. I have a stable life now and no longer have to take any medicine or ask anyone for help.

All my other illnesses have been removed, such as painful menstruation and gastric disease. I have not taken any sick leave from work since I started practicing Falun Gong. Friends and relatives think that I am a more mature and open individual with an optimistic outlook. I know Falun Gong has helped me change into a person with a healthy mind and body.

I have now been practicing Falun Gong for four years. It has been my guiding light on every thought and action. I can see how it benefits me, the people around me, my family and society. I want to tell other people about Falun Gong, and this is why I have written my story. I want to tell people that Falun Gong is good and Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance is good. It is the universal law that can rectify whatever is abnormal.

I am only one of the tens of millions of people who have benefited from the practice. I hope more people will understand the practice and be able to experience its miracles.