[BrokenDamaged]

Or marriage? What if she is a loner, but sucessful in life, but suffers from horrible depression and tends to isolate herself from others when at her worst? Also what if she strongly desires having a family, and is very loving? Or is it best that she avoid relationships and give up on having children, since she has never been too interested in them for most of her life?

[healingme4me]

Lots of people with depression at all levels maintain relationships.

[FallDuskTrain]

I saw the title of this OP and well, I had to read it.
Please do not take me as an example because as the above poster said, lots of females suffering depression are in long terms relationships; although i have no idea how healthy those relationships are.
With that being said, I have been single since I was 31 (I am about to turn 41). during the past decade, I have had two short term connections (2 months each, not even worth mentioning) and that is about it. I don't look either.
The main reason for my solitude is my MI. Luckily, I have come to learn to enjoy and appreciate my solitude. In summary, suffering alone has become the default and much more tolerable.
Again, please do not let my situation scare you away.

[BreakForTheLight]

I'm sorry if this sounds harsh. I'm not sure about the relationship part but as someone whose mother has issues with depression she refuses to get help for or even acknowledge.... I would not want to put a child through that.

[Trippin2.0]

Relationship? yes sure why not... kids when you’ve never really wanted them?

Bad idea, depressed or not, the children would be done a great disservice being brought into a world where they were never really wanted in the first place, but are more part of a “to do” list for one to tick off as they get older.

[MickeyCheeky]

A relationship is still possible, but having children that you don't even want is definitely not a good idea.. if you don't like children, why would you want to have one in the first place?

However, I think that the best way to find happiness is to find it within yourself. So perhaps you should start working on yourself before attempting something similar..

[Carmina]

yes its possible, and to bring up children as long as you are self aware enough to be able to use therapy etc. to manage the effects of low mood on them, I am very similar and managed to do this, although I have never managed to sustain relationships for more than a few years

[Crazy Hitch]

You never know. The right relationship might be good for your depression if you have someone to confide in and speak to about what you are feeling. You don't need to go through this alone

[divine1966]

If you’re not interested in having children then it’s the best not to have them but you can have a relationship

[BrokenDamaged]

Originally Posted by Trippin2.0

Relationship? yes sure why not... kids when you’ve never really wanted them?

Bad idea, depressed or not, the children would be done a great disservice being brought into a world where they were never really wanted in the first place, but are more part of a “to do” list for one to tick off as they get older.

I DO want children. I meant I never cared much for relationships. Sorry for my wording.

[BrokenDamaged]

Sorry for the confusion; I ALWAYS wanted children

[Carmina]

I thought that was clear enough actually

[divine1966]

Originally Posted by BrokenDamaged

Sorry for the confusion; I ALWAYS wanted children

Oh ok I thought you said you weren’t interested in them. My bad

[Macd123]

Yes, depression isn’t a bad trait - it’s just part of you. A lot of very appealing people have dealt with this. Personally, it wouldn’t be a problem. 🌹

Originally Posted by BrokenDamaged

Or marriage? What if she is a loner, but sucessful in life, but suffers from horrible depression and tends to isolate herself from others when at her worst? Also what if she strongly desires having a family, and is very loving? Or is it best that she avoid relationships and give up on having children, since she has never been too interested in them for most of her life?

First of all, you’re not a severely depressed woman. You’re a woman with positive qualities, and you happen to suffer from a mental illness called “severe depression”.
You are very loving, which is great for relationships. Having children is a great desire to have. But in order to have children you must first find a good relationship and bring your best qualities.

I understand the pain and the confusion. But I am just here to remind you that depression is not a part of you, but an illness like any other to exist which makes you feel less well