[Live]

I am not offended, never by you! (How'd ya like that qualifier? LOL)

It is true that there is situational (exogenous) depression and clinical (indogenous) depression.

After a loss, such as job, divorce, death..depression follows as part of the loss processing. If the losses pile up or hit all at once or too close together it is more of a whammy. But usually it is short term. It is said that if it does not abate within 6 months we need to seek counseling. Sometimes it is said two weeks, but in dealing with a death, divorce or some really permanent life changing event....I can't imagine processing our loss that quickly.

I would define clinical depression as being a living death. I have never heard of anyone else here but me speaking of it as being progressive...but I know it is true for me. I wanted my meds to be a CURE dammit! Such that when I would feel better, get my life together and normal, I would quit the meds, each relapse was worse than the episode before. I am hard headed, so I did this a number of times. The last time was so bad that I am scared to death of another relapse. I don't know if I have another recovery in me...it took my daughter dragging me into the drs in my pajamas to get help the last time. That same Dr whom I saw while I was in Indiana told me that if I had not gotten on the meds and stayed on them I probably wouldn't be here by now. I am sure I wouldn't have actively commited suicide...but I believe he is right.

And all that said, I know as the article says I cannot dwell on the depression or over-identify with it.

hugs,
Tena