For me understanding why my brain was doing this to me was extremely helpful... My family, relatives, many friends "do not get it"... or cannot handle it. It feels bad but you do not have to continue to be down about it. Just because they are family or friends.. they do not magically know how to be with you. Through the years as I have gotten to feel better, I choose the things and people in my life that are good for me and vise versa.

I spent years being disappointed in my family... never felt they cared or worried..."don't families try to take care of one another" -not on my planet.... but I have learned to accept them. When I am with them I try to find activities that we both or all like and I do not expect more.

Also, when I am having a bout of depression - and they try to invite me to some gathering - they do not understand that I cannot go this time. "Oh come on, you will feel better when you get here".. and so on... they do not understand it's draining to "pretend" so they feel better

I also take medication but that in itself does not work. I know this sounds so cliché but it's all part of your journey. You cannot change anyone but you can start to understand yourself and find things you like to do with the type of people you choose to have in your life.

Hope you find out some good things here. You may like to listen to others as well.. and you could have great advice for them.

I hope you feel better sooner rather than later! Take care.