The Inconvenience of Depression: Like the Tears of a Clown

Depression is so very difficult because we all don't exist in a vacuum.  Sometimes we don't have the luxury of showing our sadness.  The things which require a lot of energy even when we feel well seem impossible or excruciatingly painful to deal with when we are suffering from depression.  Despite our depression we are still expected to do all the things we normally do.  We still have to parent our children, be a friend, and go to work.  Life is hard for those who have depression.  But we still have to keep living.  If I could tell people one thing about those who suffer from depression it is this.  We are trying.  We may not always be capable of smiling through pain but we still try to get up and do the things that need to be done. 

I am interested in your stories.  Have you had the experience of having to fulfill some obligation which requires you to act happy when you are really depressed?  Share your experiences here.  It will help others to know that they are not alone.