Chronic depression is not a choice in any sense of the word. Major -or medical- depression really isn't understood by the general population. In fact, many doctors don't "get it" when it comes to fully realizing the extent of true depression.

(This is not to say that acute depression doesn't hurt, also.)

I hope you are soon able to discount their ignorance and move on with what you need to do to feel better in your life... and hope you also realize that some days the depression wins.