50 years. Yes, that's right -- I'm an old man now, made older by this curse! I've tried antidepressants and counselors (talk therapy, cognitive/behavioral) to no avail. Of course there's been periods of a more stable mood, even euphoria -- but they don't last.

I've always overemphasized my career, to the detriment of any true social ties. After all these years, I still find myself in a state of constant social isolation, seemingly chained to a laptop. Is it really that hard to find a few friends who I can communicate with?