Just as a therapist who has never had the dis-pleasure of dealing
with a mental health issue would say:
Look at the positive!" [/quote]

I was a practicing clinician for many years (licensed psychologist), and assisted many people who were suffering from the effects of trauma, depression, bipolar, etc. I suspect that we're all prone to saying "look at the positive"...

Now that I am in the throes of a depressive episode (it's been with me on and off for about 3 years now - more "on" than "off"), I can truly see how bad depression is...just when I think I've hit the bottom rung of this depression ladder, it drops just a bit deeper. For the past few days I have been unable to stop weeping.

I suffer from the same feelings that there are others who are much worse off; but depression is such a largely personal experience. You can put on the happy face for a while, but inside you are suffering...

So I guess my point is that clinicians are not immune to suffering. I'm a depressed person now; I wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy.

I do hope that things get better for you. I have seen people get better. I'm looking at their experiences and finding hope in that. And I find hope in these forums too.