A lot of good answers here I think. I know I didnt choose many of the things in my life that led to depression. I know I didnt understand what the heck was happening to me or why I wasnt the same person I was before depression. I know Ive wanted out of depression every living minute Ive had to endure it.

I know there are a million little ways I defeat myself. Just resolving one or two of those ways wouldnt end my depression. I found out there were some choices I could make to change my overall outlook about life but that took many years to unravel and Im still depressed about things I have no control over. I dont choose the depression I feel now, I believe it is a normal response to some valid crappy situations. Ive done all I can mostly about my own situation but there are still situations Im made to wake to each day that are depressing and I have no control over them.

So, to a degree, for me, what I feel as depression is somewhat controllable but not completely. Sure, I could pretend to be happy but Ive always preferred self honesty to self deception. Just because I can smile now doesnt mean Im not sad about some things and I think that is whats considered normal sadness even though it hurts like hell at times.