The thing that seems easy for some people to forget is that depression IS an illness. Just like diabetes - it has its chemical element (chemicals in the brain not being present in sufficient numbers or not absorbed readily) and its lifestyle element (living in stressful situations or having poor self esteem as a result of previous experiences). It is NOT a life choice. NObody chooses to have diabetes; nobody chooses to have depression. It is a REAL illness, and only those who have not experienced it claim otherwise. Sure, there are things one can do to improve the situation (self help - the things you are already doing, candy) in the same way that people who have diabetes can affect their illness by the things they eat.

So yes, you have a real illness.You are NOT being self indulgent. You are NOT bad, stupid or selfish for struggling with depression.

(((candybear)))) Be gentle with yourself.