For me posting here on PC.. helps my extreme isolation... I find other people that understand depression... that offer me love and support.. that I cannot get IRL.. so since coming to PC.. I actually "feel" loved.. and that makes me feel better... so it is a positive step.. previously in the "grips" of depression, I would sleep for hours.. and now I come here.. and I get wonderful, caring people..

When in the "grips" of depression, I found it hard to "reason" anything out - for help.. my mind.. is "taken over"... very, very difficult to explain...

When "not in the grips" pf depression.. I do try and make changes in my life that improve my life..

I have changed my viewpoint.. in the last 2 years.. my opinion only.. and also from my having such extreme abuse in my background... I feel that my depression will never be "cured".. it is to be managed.. several of my T.. had me looking for this elusive cure.. and I felt I failed everytime I fell into a depression... now I look to manage it.. avoid things that might trigger a depression...if I even know what they are.. and not beating me up when depressed..

But for me I am no longer looking for that magical cure all pill... I have reached the point in my life that I am going to grab all the happiness when I can.. and live life to the fullest.. and know that depression will happen..

But, as far as, self help.. yes.. meds.. major life changes.. selling of house.. downsizing.. different jobs.. no job.. friends.. you try everything and anything... to alleviate depression - no one.. but no one "wants" to be depressed..it takes away functioning, reasoning..

Let there be peace for all of us.. that is my prayer.. my hope.. and in my thoughts.