levels of important chemicals, so their levels were way lower than they should've been. Trying to tough it out, without the benefit of the medicine their bodies needed, led to some unhealthy ways of thinking. Counseling has been great to help with that. I've seen people go from way down low to much, much better.

A family member had confided in me that they didn't want to take any medicine because they were worried it would affect their personality, rob them of their uniqueness. The treating doctor said that wasn't true at all-- what proper medicine does is get you to a level where the depression doesn't control your life. The doctor said that depression can be extra insidious because the disease can make the person "want" to stay sick, or be afraid of getting better.

There are times when everyone feels low. But what you described doesn't sound like just going through tough times. Make a doctor's appointment and tell them what you're going through-- the sooner, the better. There's definitely hope!