<p>musicmom – I am so sorry for your loss. To lose both parents is a wound. A severe wound. I’m glad you are now in therapy. May I humbly suggest you ask your therapist if EMDR would work for you. It’s working for me (different set of circumstances which I would disclose via PM if you are interested).</p>
<p>swimcatsmom – this man may have been depressed all his life because of his father’s suicide, and struggled to have a regular life, but just gave up the struggle. </p>
<p>I think, as mom2collegekids said, we don’t always know when someone in our life is suffering from depression. There’s so much pressure to hide our feelings (especially at work), and I think American culture puts a premium on a kind of upbeat, “can do” spirit that trumphs over adversity (even mental illness). So to admit you’re sad, or you haven’t gotten over that break up with your girlfriend, or you find it hard to care about things anymore – that’s kind of a no-no in our society. </p>
<p>I don’t pretend that these topics should be discussed with strangers, but I think each of us can try to be more open to our friends and colleagues who seem down. Therapy helps, as does some medication. There is no shame in this.</p>