I was diagnosed with major depression when I was in my early 20s. But I've been struggling with it since probably junior high. I've been in and out of counseling...all types including religious based. Taken all kinds of medications. All to no avail.
My depression is deep and strong like mud. Its not that I don't feel like I can function in my day to day life...its more like I can't even maintain the necessary functions required to live, like breathing, eating and drinking.
I had a serious episode when I was about 23. Probably the second time in my life that I not only thought about ending it but actually took steps to make it come about. Somehow God brought me thru that period and since then (9 years and counting) I've decided that shrinks who tell me I have nothing to be depressed about and meds that make me feel as if my whole life should revolve around a couch; are not the way to live.
I still have episodes...my hardest times are late summer and around the end of the year. But somehow I've been able to keep my head high enough above the water so as not to drown. I'm sure the love of my life (my son) has something to do with it...I mean I can't stop living when I've got someone depending on me.
