Thanks everyone. It certainly can be tough. I understand where the intent is for so many, but it gets tiring having to hear it again. And again. Despite my making these same statements as said here.

I was dealt this hand. I used to dread it. I used to hate it. But hating it and hiding it didn't make it any less real. So now I embrace it. I work with it, not against it. And I think to so many that looks like giving up. But I feel like it's my right to decide when and how I fight. And whether I want to fight at all. It's like someone with a chronic physical illness. Sure, some problems can be cured with medication but what about permanent disabilities? Cerebral palsy? TBI's? Amputations? Those individuals can't just will themselves to be cured. To me, depression is not like the common cold. It's a permanent and sometimes crippling, chronic disability. There may be ways to help, but as far as a cure? I think that depends on the person. I don't feel I will ever be cured. I've lived with it for decades and I have come to accept it. I have found a way to actually live instead of just survive. Depression is part of me but it does not define or rule me.