I get to hear "quit feeling sorry for yourself" from my mother. And she's the resoundingly better parent. On the scale of my depression I'm just listless, which for some would be morbidly depressive, but I've put a moratorium on dealing with family. Or anyone who isn't paying me or selling me something. My boss is actually the most understanding person I know. I took 3 weeks off work to try to kill myself then go to the hospital and didn't get fired. I wrote this during that time I really can't believe I did that during that time period. I think part of the reason major creatives are prone to depression is knowing how to work hard. When you're depressed everything is hard work and art, writing, music are all really hard work. Calm seas don't make good sailors.