One maxim that irked me was the common "fake it 'til you make it" advice. Do I have to really put up a front and throw away my authentic self through life? Am I forced to wear a facade for the rest of my life? One way depression ensnares us is by giving the false pretense that we ought to be happy being our depressed selves. Of course, it's impossible to be both happy and depressed. I think we should avoid defining ourselves by our state of mind or emotions. Sadness should pass like happiness or hate or love or anger. When under extreme sadness, however, it's hard to let go and let ourselves change. I really think it is possible to be our true selves without depression. All mushy-gushy, lovey dovey, "sunshine and rainbows" talk aside, you will be able to push through this.