Sean,

The situation is different for everyone, obviously, but, after a long
struggle (the depression started after a major shunt revision that I
had 18 years ago), I have decided that life is what I make of it. I
can be very sad/down on one day but still do my best to have a
productive, successful day. I have gone through a lot of counseling
to help with self-esteem issues and am currently also on an
antidepressant (so far the best one I have been on). I hope someday
to not be on the medication, but for now I need it. When I forget to
take it on one day, there is a major difference in my mood. And you
are right: it is not a miracle cure, but it does ease my depressive
states (e.g., I don't burst into tears over practically everything
anymore).

I hope that my post was not offensive. I certainly did not intend for
it to be. I wish you all the best in dealing with your depression,
and, believe me, I know what a struggle it is. There are resources
available to help manage it.

HTH,
Dustin

> Fascinating. How, pray tell, do you learn to live with depression?
I was officially diagnosed with depression in 1992 and have been on
antidepressants ever since. However, I don't pretend to be able to
live with it or cope with it or anything. It's still quite a burden to
myself and to my wife, and possibly to our daughter. If I say to her
"I'm sorry I'm so ugly" she replies, "That's okay, daddy. I still love
you." Perhaps pumping me with drugs helps somewhat but it's sure not
a miracle cure.
>
> -Sean
>