It does suck. Depression is a self defeating illness. (I call it cancer of the soul). People tell us to just snap outta it, suck it up, get over it, move on, or just be happy. I want to SCREAM when ppl say that **** - shake them! They really don't get it and YA KNOW WHAT???? - GOOD FOR THEM! Thank god they don't have to suffer too. I wouldn't wish this on my worst enemy. I don't know if I can help but just knowing someone does get it might make you feel less alone. Tiny consolation I know.

"I hate people... " Try to say to yourself when you think/feel that, "They're only trying to help." I'm practicing that myself and it's helping me take the edge off the anger a little (just a little lol)

As for time off... I NEED to do something / anything to feel validated - to keep going. Plus being busy keeps me temporarily distracted - I HAVE to go to work. Sure there's moments where I burst into tears (I just go into the bathrm til it passes) and there's times where I just can't focus (so I pinch myself or snap my wrist with a rubber band when my mind wanders to get me back on track).Otherwise I would curl up in a ball, cry all day AND all night and die. I agree about not telling employers about the depression. It's hard to hide it sometimes - but now everyone thinks I have really bad allergies. lol red puffy eyes explained...

See we're all here together just hanging on. Not alone.