Rose, I feel that I have chronically recurring depression as well. I'm young, just 20, but over the past 2 years it's gotten really bad, so bad that it's affected every aspect of my life, especially my academics. I have a "good" support network in terms of family and boyfriend, BUT it just never seems to be enough. I am TIRED of this recurring depression. Your post was great. I could relate to a lot of it. The part that you said about redefining what success is - that "intervals of feeling not depressed" should be considered success - I feel I should think about how that fits in my own life, maybe it could help bring my self esteem up. I have low self esteem at this very moment. I feel guilty, stressed and worthless actually.