Depression often comes with no apparent reason and without warning. Many people then don't understand it, they think it can be fixed when we "cheer up." It is not that easy.

Hello @lulu63

I see that you just recently joined Mayo Connect - welcome! I am sorry to hear of your major depression - sometimes health problems can be a predictor of depression. Breathing or heart problems (where there is insufficient blood or oxygen to the brain) can certainly set us up for depression. Certain neurological disorders/brain disorders can also change the chemistry of the brain. Often, health problems lead to inactivity which can certainly heightened depression as well.

We would enjoy getting to know you better. As you feel comfortable, please share with us some of the health problems you are dealing with.

Teresa

It become a frustrating conundrum. People who love, love you act in the way they believe to be helpful. Although done with the most loving intention, it sometimes feels damning. One was a gift from a very good friend - a small coin purse that read, “Just Be Happy”.

It was her soulful hope for me. It felt to be such under estimation of my present state. If I could “Just be “Happy”, I certainly hope she understands that I would be. Unfortunately it is true grit, spiritual thinking, acceptance, good psychiatrists, loving family, skillful psychologists, time and much more.

Signs on a coin purse feel petty - but I do my very best to look back to intention in giving - and when I see it, I say, “Carol adores me - and as she tracks alongside thru the journey, she will show it differently”.