The idea that we should always express our feelings is appropriate for 3 year olds.

To say, "I feel crappy, and I've felt crappy for a long time." is an expression of feeling. Most people who have depression could say that, and it's not wrong to say that. But to say, "My life is crappy." sounds like you are complaining that life cheated you . . . that you didn't get decent chances at happiness.

As someone who suffers from chronically recurring depression, I know what it is to feel low. I have learned that me feeling bad has more to do with problems in the way I approach life than with life giving me rotten breaks.

I know someone who is always in a mess. He says, "If I didn't have bad luck, I'ld have no luck at all." His luck has been no worse than the next person's. But he will always be in a mess because he will always see himself as a victim who is having a crappy life. There is no hope for someone like that.