I feel there are actions and words that we should not use and that is GUILT/SHAME/CRAZY/WORTHLESS words to say are SURVIVOR/OWN YOUR STORY/I HAVE AN ILLNESS I AM IN TREATMENT FOR. We deserve RESPECT and should be treated as a normal person with an illness. When the doctor gets the meds right or whatever way you are treating your illness and it is working we are like everyone else. NO SHAME

It really bothers me to hear someone be told to just something that interests you, or change your attitude, or get some exercise. They don't seem to realize that for some of us, just getting out of bed can be a challenge. I don't believe they have ever experienced real depression and some think it is a choice.

Tell them. If they don't understand, that is their problem, not yours. We know in our hearts what and how we feel and we can't make anyone believe or take the time to educate themselves. It's very sad for many.

Don't worry, it's most friends and family who don't understand. Some don't think it's real. Some think we are just too negative. Some think we can just snap out of it and others think it's an excuse to be lazy and stay in bed all day.
Depression is a very lonely illness. Because we don't have visible wounds, scars or our hair isn't falling out, people don't realize how much we suffer. I am not in any way comparing cancer to depression, I am just saying our pain and darkness is not visible. It's on the inside. I've been through a very serious suicide attempt and have been treated for severe chronic depression for twenty years. I am doing quite well. What I have learned throughout the years, is people simply can't understand it, unless they have gone through it. Some will at least try, but for the most part, we feel very alone. That's why I find groups like this so helpful.
You are not alone.

I agree with you as counselling didn't do anything to help me with my grieving and I'm so sorry that you've had to go through such a terrible loss and yes it's not something you ever get over you just learn to live with it in time but yes with great difficulty as the loss is what made my depression worse but we are all here to support each other and you talk and talk as much as you like on here with any of us as often as you feel the need loss is the most terrible thing a person can go through especially if no one is there for you but huny I'm here any time you need to talk and I think I speak for Evey one on here where all family as where all pretty much going through the same things as I've found on here there is so much support and you are never shunned or judged for how you feel and if your on face book you are welcome to add me and even private message day or night always here for every one of they feel the need and some form of happy days will come again eventually love and happy days to every one x