I know it is very difficult when other peoples expectations are that you should be doing better all the time. I even perceive that my pdoc will expect me to be doing better when I see him so I minimize things. I solved that by keeping a mood log everyday.

Other peoples lack of understanding and expectations can be very difficult to deal with, especially family. Are your parents willing to become more educated on the subject???

I was in CA for twenty years and my family is all in Michigan. They knew I had depression but had never seen it or dealt with it. Then I came home and they seen it first hand. It was very difficult for them. Luckily my Mom has been a social worker her whole life and has a good understanding of it. They had no idea what to do though. My Mom went in to talk to my pdoc to get advice on how to handle it with me. Like should they push me or leave me alone. He told them to leave me alone basically but to make sure I was going to appointments and still seeking help. I am very fortunate that way. My brothers and sister tend to avoid the topic. Not my sister so much because she also has it but not as bad and her meds have worked for years.