I'm so sorry for your health. I feel like its genetically passed on because of my whole family tree had mental problems. I tried to figure out what normal was... I never could. Even those that appeared to be normal had issues from their surroundings that brought on depression. Sometimes I think its chance, luck, skill, and location that keeps a person sane. Staying in that middle class is hard. You have to sell yourself. Those with a poor presentation get left behind even though they have the potential. Yeah ... depression can be a bitch. Even back in the late 60's the Rolling Stones had a song that made since...
Watch "Mother's Little Helper~ Rolling Stones Lyrics" on YouTube

It's ok. I have a DVT. That is an illness. If anyone has strong and persistent depression that is an illness too. I would think no less of you. Do what you need to take care of yourself. Peace.

You don't need a psych ward, were all already living in a Looney bin.

The problem I see is that the term "mental illness" still has a stigma surrounding it, when there is actually no shame in it. It does not automatically mean that someone is ready for the psych ward. It just acknowledges that someone may have a serious mood disorder where they need help. Suicide itself is not a mental illness, the despair someone is feeling may make them feel there is no alternative, when there is.

Understood! I have relatives and ex-in-laws who struggle with various conditions and, while depression can often be "associated" with mental illness, it ITSELF is NOT mental illness in my book! Depression is a totally natural response to some heavy duty circumstances (I almost said human response but truthfully, we are not the only species to suffer from either depression or mental illness.).

We all experience depression at some level at least once in our lives (hell, I think it is safe to say nobody has limited their experience to a single time...or even a few times). We are all doing our best to navigate this crazy world (pardon the word choice but it can be overwhelming, particularly RIGHT NOW :-/ ). Some people are just lucky enough to be oblivious to some heavy shit, thus avoiding the headaches and heartaches that can go with trying to tackle the heavy stuff head-on.

Summer fun sure can help! Do they rent jet skis on Jacomo or Longview?

I’m so glad you didn’t reach that level of depression that you felt the true urge for suicide. It is still a mental illness. Don’t be ashamed of it.

I would say don't let the stigma of the term "mental illness" to scare you into thinking you are a defect or or are bat shit crazy. What most people do not want to recognize is that depression seems to be a human condition that we, at some times in our lives, will have to deal with. Just like a bad flue; you can get over depression but some peoples immune systems/constitutions are stronger then others. Just try to enjoy life's simple pleasures is what helped me.

Being depressed is a normal emotion but having chronic depression is a mental illness and people do stigmatize others when the illness is mental and not physical. If you had a broken arm they would line up to sign your cast but if you have something broken inside then most people shun you like you have Ebola. It's not right and it's not fair. Some religious types will even suggest that you are possessed by the devil, certainly a good reason for people to hide their mental troubles instead of being open to treatment, being burned at the stake is not a great cure but it is effective and permanent.

I have spent my working life as a clinical practitioner working in mental health. Depression is a mental illness. It is an illness because it is treatable.