I'm not going to chat -- but I am concerned about the huge amount of secrecy and embarrassment that seems to surround depression for you.

Of course, our society stigmatizes the illness. I, too, take what steps I believe are appropriate to protect myself, but beyond a certain point -- with health providers and my family -- who are not always understanding -- I have learned to stop being so ashamed and guilty. A lot of that has to do with the feedback I've gotten on the forums.

Would we be ashamed if we had cancer?

When we are depressed, we don't need to heap these feelings of embarrassment and shame on ourselves.

I hope you get the feedback you need in chat. Lots of good people here.