For many of us who have suffered chronic severe depression our whole lives have had to go through a process of acceptance of our disease. It is rather forced upon us and doesn't take place overnight. None of us can know the future. I am currently not in a depression and can have pleasure because the meds I am taking are working. I have no way of knowing for sure how much depression will be in my future. If it is like my past i will continue to have to live with it as I have found a way to do.

We have all spent long periods whining, complaining, and feeling sorry for ourselves. As you say it would be expected. Acceptance is a long process. If you read a lot of the other threads in this section you will see how empathetic, non judging, supportive, and caring people are in here.

We do however encourage each other to keep trying. To seek help if they haven't. To try different things. We don't want to give up hope. Even at the times when we have given up all hope a little bit lingers and we post here. It is true that many of us may have chronic depression our whole lives. We are faced with the stark reality of ending it all or learning to live with and manage as best we can. Some times things work sometimes they don't. many people do overcome it.

A depressed person should be approached with much understanding and empathy and no judgement. People who also suffer are the most likely to be this way. But you would also encourage them to seek help, to share your own story and what has worked for you and others. We continue to give each other hope.

There is a spark in the human spirit that does not die easily in spite of the worse possible suffering. I think you have that spark but are in a very difficult place in the process of acceptance.