Need to include facts?

[Jamie]

What facts, if any, should you include in a memoir about depression? I was diagnosed with dysthymia and was prescribed Prozac. A lot of facts about Prozac were included in Prozac Nation. That was the book that made me want to write my own story. I feel i'm stealing her thunder by including similar facts.

[Sheila]

Hi Jamie,
I recommend you include the facts that pertain to your own story. Be careful no to plagiarize the other author's material by copying it. But everyone's story is unique, so your story will probably be different enough. Try not to worry about it until the book is completed. You can then contract an editor for advice, or if a publisher takes it on, they will advise. Good luck!

[Marilyn]

Jamie wrote: "What facts, if any, should you include in a memoir about depression?

Jamie--Unless you are writing a nonfiction book about depression, you need not include a lot of "facts" in your memoir. SHOW us what depression LOOKED like for you. You could include dialogue, perhaps from a physician, on the meds he/she prescribes.
Let's not forget that memoir is about including the reader in your first person EXPERIENCE. What YOUR depression looked like might not be what someone else's looks like. Show us YOURS!