So many of the responses here truly resonate with me. I think for me, of all the painful aspects of depression, one of the most painful elements are the sense of worthlessness and self-hate that always accompanies the depression. Another painful part is how others respond-or don't respond usually. It's hard to say what is worse, being told that I am just crazy or being too sensitive or being abandoned with no response at all. It's hard, when you're depressed, to sort things out and understand that maybe the other person is just afraid or uncomfortable. When I'm feeling depressed and worthless the responses I receive end up becoming evidence, in my mind, of my worthlessness. It's a painful cycle that I've yet to work my way out of, so far.