Great question. My life is signifcantly different since suffering from severe depression. I still feel like the same person inside and often get frustrated because I know I rarely behave like the person I really am. Those that know me and know my condition have, for the most part, stopped staying in touch with me. I just think that they don't what what to do with me, don't know how to help me. When, in fact, probably the best thing they could do would be to call me and just talk.

Others that know of my depression tell me that they really don't know who I am. This was said to me time and time again by a woman I dated for a couple of years and feel in love with. That is by far the most frustrating response of anyone. Because, I think in that case, I am judged by how I act when I am depressed and not judged by who I am inside.

Then there are the people that don't know I suffer from depression. These individuals I know are making judgements about me... that I am withdrawn, shy, etc. When, in fact, I am a very social and outgoing person. So, it is so frustrating to be judged by people all as a result of my condition, not based on who I am inside.