Sorry for taking so long to reply...I wasn't sure what to say, other than the obvious: we've all experienced depression in very different ways, yet none of us is alone.

Roadrunner, I hope you feel better soon. I really do. We're all here if you need us. Feel free to PM me if you ever feel a need to.

Yeah, Innerzone, the DSM doesn't do a very good job of portraying just how horrific depression can be with clinical phrases like "depressed mood", "loss of interest or pleasure", "feelings of hopelessness, worthlessness, or guilt", etc.

Darkheart, I am so sorry that you lost your mother at such an early age. I hate cancer; it takes so many lives and leaves so many others in constant fear. It's impressive that you are able to draw inspiration from her fight. Remember that you can always go back to school (even if you start small with one community college course/semester), and work on getting a book published. What kind of writing do you do? And I'm sure that you're not a failure to your family.

SunAngel, I am so happy for you! Though I also really envy you, haha. You should post in the success stories forum. God knows we all need more inspiration!