Mike_UK_71, you nailed it. I was attempting to explain my experince with depression to a nondepressed someone not too long ago and I don't think they quite understood. Some people see the silver lining during dark periods, I see the dark cloud overshadowing the bright periods. I quarantine myself from others to not contaminate them with my toxic mood. I am currently facing an especially rough period and to prevent me from succumbing fully to my inner turmoil, I am discovering expressing my uncensored thoughts to an audience of nonjudgmental, anonymous, empathetic, and supportive peers has been therapeutic. If anything, the thoughts shared here resonate with millions of others who seeking refuge from pain. When you think about it, you are allowing yourself to take a bit of respite from your mental prison. You help others in the process which validates your worth to self and society. Self expression in whatever medium is therapeutic. Hang in there.