Oh Jon, I am not offended, you are speaking your mind, many of us need to do that too, it is healthy. I only used my mom as an example to those that may read your post and by no means was it directed to you, I hope you didn't think I meant it for you. Depression is a tricky, evil thing, it can sneak up and bite us in the butts, sometimes so paralyzing we just can't find the mental strength to move. In my own personal case, several years ago I was falling victim to it but first thought I was physically sick and was raising my kid and keeping up with chores, then the excessive fatigue brought me to making a doc visit, that is when after having all bloodwork done my GP decided it was depression, so we went down the SSRI's trip, helping some what, but I forced myself to get into volunteer work, a good distraction while still on meds. gradually got off of them to only have a few years go by and having my world rocked with some family things, I went "bonkers" and was DXed by a psychologist and pdoc as mild bipolar-II, been under meds for that for now 4 years.
I'm doing alright, get through life's ups and downs okay. . . I think. Everyone is indvidual and so are their forms of depression and/or mental disorders, some people can "snap out of it" but many need more than just a "nudge", due to chemical imbalances in the brain and/or hormonal imbalances which can greatly contribute to many problems, mentally and/or physically.
The longer a person does not recieve professional help the longer recovery will take, and those that deny their problem and refuse to seek help have a slim chance of ever getting out of their funk. It saddens me or should I say it frustrates me when there is hope, there is help people can get but rather whine and stagnate themselves by their own choice.
Ah, who is to say who wants to stay in a funk or really does want to seek help, I have no answer.
But my advice to all that are in a funk longer than 2-3 weeks ought to seek professional help, sometimes we can't do it all alone, what is important that we do something.
I think I understand your post and I hope my replies make sense. I am not offended and hope I haven't said anything to offend you, I was just throwing in some ideas from the "think tank".
I am happy that you come to the forums and do find positive replies you make to others very helpful
And hey, if we come here to whine or moan, that is cool too, as long as we can reach out to one another and with hope help lead those in need out of the darkness

(((((((((((((((((((((( Jon ))))))))))))))))

Sincerely,
DE

In giving advice seek to help, not please your friend
SOLON