As most of us know, there are levels of depression.  The slight "feeling of the blues" that you may feel you can't shake.  Sometimes this is the start of diving deeper into a major depression, or it may just last a few days and life is fine again.

Major depression, on the other hand, is the blues like deep down in the ocean!  I know, I was there for many years. There is isolation, strong feelings of a lack of self worth, difficulty in decision making, and feeling life just isn't a worthwhile experience.  As for relating to others, it is very limited because of all of the above, and the isolated emotions just don't seem to allow you to "connect" well with others.  The frustration comes when you are aware enough to know you don't want to be in this abyss.  It seemed for me that there was an exaggeration of pain experiences, even when you may have a chronic pain disorder, like me.

I once heard that "depression is anger turned inward".  I think there is an element of truth to that, in addition to the chemical inbalance.  That is why it is so important to see a therapist as you struggle with the depression.  I have seen one for some time, and it has been very helpful.

To all those who are in the depths of depression, I can only say my heart goes out to you as you struggle to find your way back to see and feel the "sunshine" again!