I feel that depression is a part of me. Almost like a personality trait. I think its always there under the surface, but as you say sometimes I can cope with it and sometimes I cant.

I also strongly believe that I have inherited the trait. My Grandmother was depressed and my Dad has had depression on and off for as long as I can remember. Now my sister and I have both suffered from depression. I can talk about it with my sister but not my Dad, he's a very 'stiff upper lip' englishman!