It's as bad as any illness, then it's worse because of the stigma attached (and the fact that it is nearly impossible for someone who does not suffer to understand), and then in the case of MI's like depression it's even a million times worse because the nature of the illness itself prevents us from seeing hope and therefore prevents us from seeking help.

This time around I have many supportive friends and coworkers yet I still feel I am suffering this alone, partly because I am physically alone, partly because people don't understand, and then I know a lot of it is my brain capitalizing on the first two and not letting in any light. Very hard to detangle what's real and what's lies, but the fact that I know some of it is real is very harmful. I am alone.