I have the same understanding.
An example:

I think I was seeking behavioral advice and was told what I was experiencing was actually "clinical" or "major" depression even though there was every reason for how I was feeling (and once therapy started, there was about a million more reasons(childhood)) And, then it became Bipolar Type II !

My nephew recently declared himself "depressed" as a way of explaining the trouble he kept getting into...running with his buds, stealing, selling, using whatever chemicals they do these days, etc. So, all effort was made, hospitalized out of town, parents very supportive running back and forth, etc.

This was all kept quiet but when my brother finally told me about this, I gave him my opinion (above). Depression is when I can't get out of bed and take a shower, brush teeth...for days, don't wanna talk to anyone. At times it was so bad I wanted total silence... no tv, radio.

It is NOT the ability to BS people and connive to get funds together for your drug of choice. OR, coming down from same.

I was so mad at nephew for pulling this, at brother and wife for believing this after all I've been through. But, my family has pretty much put their heads in the sand regarding my "problem". Support?

Now, nephew has a job at the country club, (he's real cute and good at the BS) and he's miraculously cured.

My other (younger) brother suffers depression (maybe schizoaffective but won't do treatment) and I was talking to first brother about him and he said to me "depression? what is depression?... all (his son) needed was to just get busy and stop thinking" ???????????????????
(I told you (your son) wasn't depressed in the first place ahole )

I wasn't able to speak to him for awhile...I think he realizes he screwed up.

For me, there's a distinct difference and depression can clobber me when there's no reason for it, when there is a reason, when I'm starting to get ill, when there's some psychic trigger I'm unaware of even. Sometimes I think I've had delayed reaction to stuff.

but, that's just me and my opinion

stephanie