I personally believe all people experience highs and lows during their lifetimes. It's inevitable but it's how we handle the low times that allow us to sink into depression or pull ourselves up and hang in. I hope that you can find the comfort in knowing that you're not alone. Maybe your life will be different than a healthier person but you are still you. You're still cool, (even though it doesn't feel like it when you're hurting), you have much to offer and you can share your experiences with others to help those who suffer with CP. Took a while for me to accept that I couldn't do everything I used too. Also took a while to figure out what works and doesn't work for me (heck, I'm still figuring it out)...it's all a tightrope dance of balance, trail and error. Hang in there...you'll find what helps and works well for you and brighter days will follow.

Oh hell yes, but like transari says, its all about trying to find the right balance for you, feels like I'm trying to keep hundreds of plates spinning sometimes, but I try to stay positive. Doesn't always work, and I have some very down days, but then you have to have down days to appreciate the good ones ay! And there are some good ones. Like I said, and Transari says, its all about accepting that things are different now, adapting to that and trying to find the right balance for you. Good luck.

There are different types of depression. One type is the temporary struggle we all have with situational events or periods in our lives. Though they may be temporary, they are no less serious, but usually we will get over it as time goes by. An example would be death or a loved one or going through a divorce. Counseling is normally helpful.

Another kind of depression does not normally resolve on its own and used to be called "clinical depression." It has more of a genetic component and does not tend to go away. This is what is considered a true illness or disorder and often requires medication to alter the brain.

When situation depression and clinical depression are present at the same time, the world can be a horrible place and one can easily lose the will to survive. It's like being in a bottomless black pit with no light and no way out. It is hell on earth.

It's important to decide which one or both you have. I think a counselor is the best place to start if you are unsure. A medical doctor will put you on medication immediately without helping you decide. Good luck and tell us how you are doing!