Catty1,

People who don't suffer from debilitating depression don't understand that it takes more than just "pulling yourself up by your bootstraps". I WISH it were that easy.

I suffer from severe depression, ADD, post traumatic stress disorder and am a recovering alcoholic. Most days are good. But then there are the days where I become a recluse. I don't want to talk to anyone, see anyone, be around anyone. People who don't understand it take offense. I try to tell them it is NOT their fault. All my friends know what I'm all about and will give me the time I need and still be there for me when my "bout" is over. I know that I can call and talk anytime. That's what friends are all about.

Yesterday I was in a real funk. I couldn't figure out why. The day was very gloomy and later on it poured buckets. I took a ride to the cemetery and sat at my parent's grave for 2 hours. Later on when I got home, it dawned on me that the anniversary of my Dad's passing is coming up (I found his body) and my brother is turning 60 on August 13th and I miss him terribly, as he now lives in North Carolina.

I advise people who have friends with depression and other debilitating diseases to be there for your friends WHEN THEY ASK YOU TO BE. Take the cue from them whether they want to talk, have company or just be left alone.