frown, I know what you mean. That can hurt an awful lot. They can really think that we are just choosing depression. I've gotten that from my S/O and another family member, who can be very smug.

This problem, when it is chronic, becomes hard-wired in. We can't just choose to not be depressed. We do have the responsibility to try our best to manage the problem with its symptoms. We also badly need for there to be others who realize this is a huge challenge to live with. A lot of the time we are trying our best. Recognition of that and encouragement could help a lot. However, I really despair of ever getting that . . . from anyone . . . even professionals.

I don't need my primary care MD asking, rather condescendingly (I thought.), "So what do you do with your time?" (Now that I'm on SSDI.)