see sad/depressed people, makes me less depressed.

I feel guilty about this.

Hmm, well could it be because it makes you aware you aren't the only one dealing with it...so you feel less depressed due maybe feeling less alone about it...or i could be totally off on that. But just not sure its a reason to feel guilty....unless its in some kind of sadistic way like 'ha ha ha, look at that sad depressed person....now I feel so much better knowing someone is suffering' but kinda doubting that's the thought process you have.

I think it's natural to feel validated and more secure when exposed to people who will agree with what you are feeling. Thus, "misery loves company" ... but only when the company is also miserable. I know when I'm feeling down, someone saying "Yeah I hear you" actually slightly improves my mood, whereas "Everything is sunshine! What do you have to feel bad about?" reminds me of what being fed into a wood chipper must feel like.

The reason I actually joined this forum in the first place is to connect with other people who feel similar to myself.