Hi Violet,

I know what it is like to deal with chronic depression. I also know what it's like for it to be worse in the mornings. Sometimes I feel great at night, only to wake up the next morning and feel like I have "rebooted" into a black hole.

Putting a time limit on how long I will stay in bed helps me. When I had a major episode about three years ago (after the breakup of a relationship). I would lay in bed for what seemed like 24 hours at a time. I'm not even sure how long it was at this point. Now, I tell myself, "OK, no matter what, you're getting out of bed before noon." It helps break the momentum of the illness. Sometimes just getting up and smelling fresh coffee helps immensely.

I agree about looking into medication. Seeing a psychiatrist would be ideal. I was recently diagnosed -- after suffering for most of my life -- and given medication. Just getting up to take my medication in the morning is a little act that reminds me I have plenty of good life to live.

I am reminded of something in myself when you say the episodes have been getting "darker and deeper." There is help out there. And there is a better day.