No sympathy, please.

[mudmucker]

The mere fact that you refer to "running to a counselor for every single setback" suggests to me that you perceive some degree of weakness in seeking professional help. It also suggests to me that you don't know how serious depression can be. Would you say the same thing to someone suffering from a serious physical ailment?

For me, seeking help from a counselor was the first step in empowering myself to be happy and fully functional. There was absolutely nothing weak about it. Depression can be serious business, and people suffering from it, especially if it's acute, often need A LOT of encouragement to seek help because it can be so paralyzing.

If I am misinterpreting what you wrote, then I apologize.

No I don't perceive it as being weak. Not at all, and it should be I that offer apology to you and those that have interpreted as such. I believe I have mixed in a pet peeve of mine in that, it seems to be the primary form of advice that is offered consistently from some individuals for a variety of situations. I interpreted the OP as perhaps seeking a more creative non-professional way of working through her problem other than "go seek a counselor" - which to me goes without saying if one is seriously depressed or unable to move forward. It was a reaction to the anticipated blanket suggestion rather than to the severity of the potential symptom.

However you are correct. I am first and foremost guilty of not understanding depression, nor understanding HOW people suffer from it, not having undergone depression myself. Nor would I recognize to a level, that people may not recognize they are even in depression nor understand how much encouragement is needed. I took the OPs statement merely as a form of the blues and she was seeking coping tools other than counseling. I of course don't know this. I respect those that go forward with counseling when needed because the ultimate result is personal happiness.

So in conclusion, I do apologize for any unintended offense to anyone and the apparent insensitivity of my comment.