Sad part is, I am not sure how many of us know what depression really is or if we suffer from it. I grew up on a farm and we worked very hard all the time. Even if we got hurt or felt really sick, we worked through it no matter what, because the cows and our families relied on us to get it done. I tend to think I am just feeling sorry for myself at times and always try to remember how lucky I am compared to many others, here with Strokes or others with terrible cancers and etc.
I totally agree, Depression in itself can make people feel sicker than they should. The real question is then: How does the average person know if he or she truly has depression?? Ones state of mind can actually make depression worse, correct? The people and work environment we are all in, can even make a fair amount of difference also. In how fast one gets better, maybe?
All said and done, we have to try to be positive, for ourselves and for others! Sometimes helping others is what makes one feel better and gives purpose.

I haven't had issues with depression, but there were times early on where I got angry. I have a cousin a few years younger than I that had a stroke and that's the first thing he asked me when he stopped by a few days after my stroke to visit, so I'm assuming it is common. To this day, I try to focus on the gains I have made and am still making, keeps my focus on the positive, seems to work for me. I still pick that one thing that is difficult now and work at getting better at it. Once I master that one thing, I chalk it up as another win, keeps my spirits up. Just too much when trying to think about the big picture here with a singular focus of getting back to "normal", I'll take the 1000 little wins!