Hi happyfeet, I'd say that depression doesn't need to have age limits imposed on it to make it real. If you have depression, you have depression. If it's real, it's real regardless of age.
And there are going to be plenty of people on here who can relate to the way,you're feeling, empathize with you or offer you support.
I don't know if it might be possible for you to share some of your feelings a bit more with you family or friends as well???
But either way depression can really effect your self esteem so just remember you are not a failure, the depression may be telling you that but..............
So if you want to talk a bit more about what's going on for you, we're here...........
And welcome to PC!!!
Alison