hi donsky,

explaining what you're going through can certainly be difficult, as i well know. i've got a couple of things to suggest, but in the long run you will have to play it by ear. and, of course, everyone has different ways of dealing with stuff like this.

* first and foremost, try to remember that you do not have to explain anything to people you work with/for. if your boss requires some sort of reason for your absence, that's a different story -- but it sounds like he/she knew already.

* it is a very good idea to find one person, at least, to support you at work. maybe you have someone you work with who you already feel close to? if nothing else, you might ask your boss to be your "PR" person.

* sometimes, when i feel i must give an explanation of a prolonged absence but don't want to share what's really going on, i say, "the doctors think it's got something to do with my thyroid -- we're still kinda trying to figure it out". this is a partial truth, at least. often people with Depression have thyroid problems. and you are still trying to figure things out. this way, too, if you have to have some days off in the future, your 'excuse' will already be established.

* some phrases i like to use: "well, sorry but i just don't really feel like talking about it", "not sure exactly what's going on, but i seem to be okay for now", "thanks for your concern, i truly haven't been well but it's kind of still a mystery; i will definitley let you know if there's some way you can help".

* there's always the option to come right out and say it. Depression is pretty widely accepted as a legitimate condition. there are still some &^$(&*s who think it's BS, but who cares about them! you can probably gauge who in your office is a kind and compassionate person, and who you'd rather not talk about it with. i've found that when i share a little bit of what i'm going through, i end up being supported more, i feel better about not trying to hide it all, and often i find people who are going through the same thing. and, the more you talk about it, the easier it gets. once you get through the first day back, everything will be a piece of cake!

good luck and let us know how it goes.

--debi